A mother and son from New Zealand have etched their names in football history as the first duo of their kind to both play at a World Cup.
Tyler Bindon's Debut
Nottingham Forest centre back Tyler Bindon came off the bench for New Zealand in its World Cup opener against Iran. The 21-year-old was a late substitute on Monday night when the All Whites drew 2-2 with Iran in Inglewood, California.
Jenny Bindon's Legacy
His mother, Jenny Bindon, was a goalkeeper for New Zealand from 2004 to 2014 and played in the Women's World Cup in 2007 and 2011, as well as the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012. “I find watching him play even more challenging than playing myself,” Jenny said. “I get more nervous, but he is an absolute joy, an amazing human being.”
A Family of Athletes
Both of Tyler's parents are athletes. His father, Grant, captained New Zealand's volleyball team. When Tyler was 12, the family moved to California because Jenny was named an assistant coach of UCLA's women's team. Tyler is a product of the Los Angeles FC academy system.
Historical Context
More than 20 fathers and sons have played in the World Cup, including Claudio Reyna and his son Gio, who scored for the United States in its win over Paraguay. Norway and Manchester City star Erling Haaland, who scored twice on his World Cup debut, is the son of Alf-Inge Haaland, who played in 1994.
Upcoming Matches
The All Whites face Egypt on Sunday in Vancouver, British Columbia. Egypt played to a 1-1 draw with Belgium in its opener.
