A historic moment unfolded as a mother and her son from New Zealand both participated in a World Cup event for the first time. Tyler Bindon, a center back for Nottingham Forest, entered the field for New Zealand in their World Cup match against Iran. His mother, Jenny Bindon, previously a goalkeeper for New Zealand between 2004 and 2014, had notable appearances in the Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Tyler, aged 21, made a late appearance during New Zealand’s 2-2 draw with Iran, with his parents in the stands supporting him in Inglewood, California. Sharing his excitement on Instagram, Tyler expressed his pride in representing New Zealand alongside his mother, marking a milestone as the first mother-son duo to play in a World Cup.
Having been developed through the Los Angeles FC academy system, Tyler comes from a family deeply rooted in athletics. His father, Grant, led New Zealand’s volleyball team, prompting the Bindon family to relocate to California when Jenny assumed a coaching role at UCLA’s women’s team.
Jenny reflected on how Tyler’s exposure to her professional experiences on the global stage inspired his own football aspirations, making his World Cup appearance a tangible dream. As New Zealand prepares to face Egypt in Vancouver, British Columbia, this historic family achievement adds to the legacy of over 20 father-son pairs who have competed in the World Cup.
Notable examples include Claudio Reyna and his son, Gio, who recently played for the United States against Paraguay. Additionally, Erling Haaland, a rising star from Manchester City, scored twice in his World Cup debut, following in the footsteps of his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, who participated in the 1994 World Cup.
