Steve Elliot has no regrets about flying halfway around the world to watch his son Callan play just 13 minutes of football — and he would do it all again without hesitation.

Callan Elliot, a defender who grew up in Annan in the south of Scotland before his family relocated to New Zealand when he was nearly seven years old, earned a place in the All Whites squad for the FIFA World Cup, held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

He came on as a late substitute in New Zealand's opening group fixture against Iran — a 2-2 draw at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles — replacing Tim Payne in the second half. It proved to be his only appearance of the tournament, as the All Whites were eliminated at the group stage.

Pride above all else

Steve and his wife Susan made the 6,500-mile (10,500km) journey from Scotland to California for that opening match. Two of Callan's brothers were also in the stands at SoFi Stadium on the night.