Eli Just explains the story behind his now iconic World Cup celebration

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Michael Boxall said the sight of so many New Zealand flags in the crowd at SoFi Stadium meant a lot to the All Whites as they drew 2-2 with Iran.

Eli Just can’t remember exactly why he started cupping his hands around his eyes after scoring for the All Whites, pretending they were binoculars. He just knows it began three months ago with his best friend and New Zealand team-mate, Callum McCowatt.

The All Whites were playing Chile in the FIFA Series in Auckland. Just had found the back of net and was waiting for VAR to take a closer look when McCowatt suggested they “do binoculars” once the goal was awarded.

All Whites midfielder Eli Just celebrates after opening the scoring against Iran.

So when Just scored seven minutes into the All Whites’ World Cup opener against Iran at SoFi Stadium on Monday (Tuesday NZT), his first thought was to do it again – creating an image that will live long in New Zealand football folklore.

After scoring twice in a 2-2 draw on the All Whites’ World Cup return, Just tried to explain the meaning behind his now-iconic celebration.

It all started in the 4-1 win over Chile in March.

“In the Chile game, when the goal I scored was going to VAR, it was Cal that said if it’s given, ‘let's do binoculars.’ It started from there and before the game we kind of joked about whether we should do it again,” Just said. “I couldn’t have foreseen scoring two, but it makes for some nice photos.”

Just and McCowatt have been friends since their days at the Olé Football Academy in Porirua, and McCowatt’s influence extends beyond goal celebrations.

Eli Just shoots the ball past Iran’s goalkeeper.

Both of Just’s goals against Iran came off his weaker right foot, and the diminutive midfielder said McCowatt deserves some credit for that too.

“Cal McCowatt, he was telling me he thinks I’m better off the right foot because you focus on just making good contact rather than place it. That’s what I did, I was fortunate to get good contact and see it hit the back of the net.”

The pair also offered a glimpse into their friendship before the tournament, revealing they had effectively turned two hotel rooms into one during the team’s stay in San Diego.

Team manager Wade Molony gave players the choice of having their own room or sharing during the World Cup. McCowatt opted for privacy, while Just wanted a roommate.

“It was a joint call,” McCowatt said. 'We were enjoying rooming together and just so happened to have a conjoined room. We've opened the doors — unlimited connection.“

Callum McCowatt and Eli Just when they first did the binoculars goal celebration during the All Whites’ win over Chile in March.

Just had a different version of events.

“Wade asked us before the tour if we wanted to room together because there's a chance to individual rooms now we're in the FIFA bubble. He said he wanted to room by himself and I said I wanted to room with him, so Wade gave us joining rooms.

“After two weeks, when we got to San Diego, he [McCowatt] said I'd like to keep rooming because I think I'll miss you. That's the true story,” Just said.

Two friends, now starring for New Zealand on football’s biggest stage.