Nottingham Forest centre back Tyler Bindon came off the bench for New Zealand in its World Cup opener against Iran, making history alongside his mother Jenny Bindon as the first mother-son duo to play at a FIFA World Cup.
Historic Debut
Tyler, 21, was a late substitute on Monday night when New Zealand drew 2-2 with Iran. His parents cheered him from the stands in Inglewood, California. Jenny Bindon was a goalkeeper for New Zealand from 2004-14, playing in the Women’s World Cup in 2007 and 2011, as well as the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012.
“World Cup debut. A special day for many reasons,” Tyler posted on Instagram. “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.”
Family of Athletes
Tyler is a product of the Los Angeles FC academy system. Both of his parents are athletes. His father, Grant, captained New Zealand’s volleyball team. When Tyler was 12, the Bindon family moved to California because Jenny was named an assistant coach of UCLA’s women’s team.
“Seeing me on the field at World Cups and Olympics during his childhood made being a professional footballer tangible for Tyler – something he could touch, feel and aspire to be a part of,” Jenny told NZ Football. “He was always there, a constant part of that experience. 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.”
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 on Monday. 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, as well as Norway and Manchester City star striker Erling Haaland. Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut; he is the son of Alf-Inge Haaland, who played in the 1994 World Cup.
