New Zealand's Tyler Bindon became the first son to play at a World Cup alongside his mother, Jenny Bindon, who represented New Zealand in past tournaments.
Even though New Zealand couldn’t claim their first World Cup victory against Iran this week, the All Whites still etched another historic moment into the tournament’s record books. Tyler Bindon, a 21-year-old defender, entered the match in stoppage time of the second half, not only reinforcing New Zealand’s defensive line but also creating an unprecedented mother-son combination at the World Cup. His mother, Jenny Bindon, had previously competed for New Zealand in the Women’s World Cups of 2007 and 2011, as well as the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012. The goalkeeper made her international debut in 2004 and accumulated 77 caps over the next ten years.
Tyler Bindon shared his feelings about the historic occasion on Instagram following the 2-2 draw with Iran. He wrote, 'A special day for many reasons.' He expressed pride in representing New Zealand on the biggest stage and gratitude for sharing the milestone with his mother as the first mother-son duo to feature at a World Cup. Tyler’s father, Grant Bindon, previously captained New Zealand’s men’s volleyball team.
Born in Auckland, Tyler Bindon relocated to California at age 12 when his mother took a coaching position with the women’s football team at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He progressed through the academy system at MLS club Los Angeles FC before moving to Reading in 2023 and then Forest in 2025. Last season, he was loaned to Championship side Sheffield United.
While Tyler and Jenny Bindon hold the distinction of being the first mother-son duo in World Cup history, father-son combinations have appeared in the tournament before. Giovanni Reyna, who scored in the United States’ 4-1 win over Paraguay on Saturday, is the son of former American midfielder Claudio Reyna. Erling Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, featured for Norway at the 1994 World Cup.
New Zealand face Egypt in Vancouver on 22 June at 02:00 BST in their second group-stage match. This follows their opening encounter against Iran.