New Zealanders become first World Cup mother-son duo

New Zealand's World Cup campaign has a unique family story this year, as Tyler and Jenny Bindon have made history as the first mother and son to compete in the tournament. Tyler recently came off the bench for New Zealand in their men's World Cup opener against Iran, marking a significant milestone for the family.

Jenny Bindon, a former goalkeeper for New Zealand's women's national team from 2004 to 2014, previously represented her country in the 2007 and 2011 Women's World Cups. She also competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, showcasing a distinguished international career.

Tyler, a 21-year-old center-back, plays professionally in the English Premier League for Nottingham Forest. His appearance as a late substitute in New Zealand's 2-2 draw with Iran was cheered on by his parents from the stands in Inglewood, California. The family relocated to California when Jenny took on an assistant coaching role with UCLA's women's soccer team, where Tyler later joined the Los Angeles FC academy system.

Adding to the athletic legacy, Tyler's father, Grant Bindon, was also a prominent athlete, having captained New Zealand's men's volleyball team. Reflecting on her son's journey, Jenny Bindon shared on social media last year, "I find watching him play even more challenging than playing myself. I get more nervous, but he is an absolute joy, an amazing human being."

The Bindons join a select group of family members who have competed at the World Cup. Notably, more than two dozen father-son combinations have played in the tournament, including Claudio Reyna and his son Gio for the United States, and Norway's Erling Haaland, son of former World Cup player Alf-Inge Haaland.

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I find watching him play even more challenging than playing myself. I get more nervous, but he is an absolute joy, an amazing human being.