New Zealand make World Cup history with first mother-son duo

New Zealand may have fallen short of their first World Cup victory against Iran this week, but the All Whites etched another milestone into the tournament's record books. The introduction of 21-year-old defender Tyler Bindon in second-half injury time not only bolstered New Zealand's defense but also marked the first time a mother and son have both played in a World Cup.

Family legacy on the global stage

Tyler's mother, Jenny Bindon, represented New Zealand at the 2007 and 2011 Women's World Cups, as well as the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012. The goalkeeper made her international debut in 2004 and earned 77 caps over the following decade. Tyler's father, Grant Bindon, was a captain of New Zealand's men's volleyball team.

"A special day for many reasons," Tyler wrote on Instagram after the 2-2 draw with Iran. "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."

From Auckland to the world stage

Bindon was born in Auckland but moved to California at age 12 when his mother accepted a coaching role with the women's football team at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He developed through the academy system at Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC before joining Reading in 2023 and then Nottingham Forest in 2025. He spent last season on loan at Championship side Sheffield United.

Father-son duos more common

While Tyler and Jenny are the first mother-son duo in World Cup history, several father-son pairs have played in the tournament. Giovanni Reyna, who scored in the United States' 4-1 win against Paraguay on Saturday, is the son of former American midfielder Claudio Reyna. Erling Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, represented Norway at the 1994 World Cup.

New Zealand face Egypt in Vancouver on 22 June at 02:00 BST in their second group game.