A New Zealand mother and son have made history by both participating in World Cup tournaments, marking the first time such a duo has achieved this milestone. Tyler Bindon, a 21-year-old centre back for Nottingham Forest, came off the bench during New Zealand’s 2-2 draw against Iran on Monday night in Inglewood, California.

Tyler’s mother, Jenny Bindon, was a goalkeeper for the New Zealand women’s national team from 2004 to 2014. She represented her country at the Women’s World Cup in 2007 and 2011, as well as at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. Tyler acknowledged the significance of the moment on social media, describing his debut as "a special day for many reasons," and expressed pride in being part of the first mother-son pairing to play at a World Cup.

The Bindon family has a strong sporting background. Tyler’s father, Grant Bindon, captained New Zealand’s volleyball team. The family relocated to California when Tyler was 12 after Jenny was appointed assistant coach for UCLA’s women’s soccer team.

Reflecting on her son's achievements, Jenny Bindon told New Zealand Football that watching Tyler play is more nerve-wracking for her than playing herself, but she described him as “an absolute joy, an amazing human being.”

This milestone adds to the broader history of familial participation in World Cups, where more than 20 father-son pairs have previously appeared at the finals. The Bindons’ achievement is the first to include a mother-son combination, highlighting a new chapter in the competition’s history.