Though New Zealand were unable to secure a first-ever World Cup win against Iran earlier this week, the All Whites etched another piece of history into the tournament's record books.
When 21-year-old defender Tyler Bindon came on in second-half injury time, he not only helped solidify New Zealand's defense but also formed the first mother-son duo to appear in a World Cup. His mother, Jenny Bindon, represented New Zealand at the 2007 and 2011 Women's World Cups and the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. The goalkeeper earned 77 caps for her country.
"A special day for many reasons," Tyler wrote on Instagram after the 2-2 draw. "Proud to represent New Zealand and incredibly grateful to share this moment with my mum as the first mother-son duo to play at a World Cup."
Tyler's father, Grant Bindon, was captain of New Zealand's men's volleyball team. Born in Auckland, Tyler moved to California at age 12 when his mother took a coaching role at UCLA. He developed through the LAFC academy, joined Reading in 2023, and moved to Nottingham Forest in 2025. Last season he was on loan at Sheffield United.
Father-son duos have appeared in previous World Cups, including Giovanni Reyna (son of Claudio Reyna) and Erling Haaland (son of Alf-Inge Haaland). New Zealand face Egypt on June 22 in Vancouver.