The Moment of History
New Zealand may not have claimed their first-ever World Cup victory in the 2-2 draw with Iran, but the All Whites etched their name into football folklore for a different reason. When 21-year-old defender Tyler Bindon stepped onto the pitch in second-half injury time, he completed a unique family double with his mother, Jenny Bindon, to become the first mother-son duo in World Cup history.
Jenny, a former goalkeeper, represented New Zealand at the 2007 and 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments, as well as the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. Her international career spanned a decade, earning 77 caps for the Football Ferns between 2004 and 2014.
"A special day for many reasons," Tyler wrote on Instagram after the match. "Proud to represent New Zealand on the biggest stage and incredibly grateful to share the moment with my mum as the first mother-son duo to play at a World Cup."
A Sporting Dynasty
Tyler's journey to the World Cup is a story of transatlantic development and a deep sporting bloodline. Born in Auckland, he moved to California at age 12 when Jenny took a coaching role with the UCLA women's football team. He progressed through the Los Angeles FC academy before joining English club Reading in 2023. A move to Nottingham Forest followed in 2025, and he spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Sheffield United in the Championship.
The sporting pedigree doesn't stop there. Tyler's father, Grant Bindon, captained the New Zealand men's volleyball team, making the Bindons a truly remarkable athletic family.
Father-Son Legacies in World Cup History
While the mother-son milestone is unprecedented, the World Cup has witnessed several father-son combinations. Giovanni Reyna, who scored in the United States' 4-1 win over Paraguay on Saturday, follows in the footsteps of his father Claudio Reyna, a midfield stalwart for the USMNT in the 1998, 2002, and 2006 tournaments. Erling Haaland is another modern icon whose father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Norway at the 1994 World Cup. The Bindons, however, have now carved out a unique chapter by representing both sides of the gender divide at the sport's pinnacle.
What's Next for the All Whites
New Zealand's next challenge comes against Egypt in Vancouver on 22 June (02:00 BST), where a win would significantly boost their hopes of advancing from Group B. Tyler Bindon, with his mother's pioneering spirit in his corner, will be eager to contribute more minutes and perhaps inspire the All Whites to a landmark result.
Key Takeaways
- Tyler Bindon and his mother Jenny Bindon are the first mother-son duo to feature in World Cup tournaments.
- Tyler came on as a late substitute in New Zealand's 2-2 draw with Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Jenny Bindon earned 77 caps as a goalkeeper for New Zealand and played in two Women's World Cups.
- The Bindon family boasts a rich sporting heritage, including Grant Bindon's volleyball captaincy.
- New Zealand will look to build on their opening result when they face Egypt next.
Quick Facts
Historic figure: Tyler Bindon
Mother's achievements: 77 caps, 2007 & 2011 Women's World Cups, 2008 & 2012 Olympics
Club career: LAFC academy → Reading → Nottingham Forest (loan to Sheffield United)
World Cup debut: vs Iran, 2026 Group B, injury-time sub
Next match: New Zealand vs Egypt, 22 June 2026, Vancouver
