New Zealand makes World Cup history as mother-son duo play

A New Zealand defender and his mother have made FIFA World Cup history. Tyler Bindon, 21, came off the bench in the 92nd minute of New Zealand's opening match against Iran on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Inglewood, California. With that appearance, he and his mother, former goalkeeper Jenny Bindon, became the first mother-son duo ever to play in a World Cup.

Jenny Bindon watched from the stands as her son earned his debut cap on football's biggest stage. She represented New Zealand at the Women's World Cup in 2007 and 2011, earning 77 international caps between 2004 and 2014. She also competed in the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012. The family's athletic legacy extends to Tyler's father, Grant, who captained the New Zealand volleyball team.

Tyler Bindon, a center-back for Premier League club Nottingham Forest, was born in the United States and played for U.S. youth teams before switching allegiance to New Zealand. The family moved to California when he was 12 after Jenny was named an assistant coach for UCLA's women's soccer team. Tyler developed in the Los Angeles FC academy system before his professional career.

On social media, Tyler Bindon called it a special day and expressed...