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Sport Nation
Kiwi Bindons make World Cup mother-son history
Anna Harrington, AAP • June 18th, 2026 10:49 am
Ex-Football Ferns keeper Jenny Bindon with her son Tyler at the 2012 Olympics, now he's at FIFA World Cup 2026 with the All Whites | Photo: AP
New Zealand defender Tyler Bindon never had to go far to find his footballing inspiration.
As a toddler, Bindon was running around at Football Ferns training, where his mother, Jenny, was a goalkeeper and played for New Zealand at the 2007 and 2011 Women's World Cups.
This week, the pair became the first mother-son duo to play at their respective World Cups, with Jenny in the stands when Tyler came off the bench in New Zealand's 2-2 draw with Iran in Los Angeles.
Tyler Bindon of New Zealand against Iran | Photo: Melinda Meijer/Photosport
American-born Jenny played 77 games for the Football Ferns between 2004 and 2014, and also featured at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, while Tyler's father Grant captained the New Zealand volleyball team.
Nottingham Forest centre-back Tyler, 21, played under-19s for the US, then switched to New Zealand at under-23 level before debuting in 2023, while Jenny is now a coach.
"World Cup debut. A special day for many reasons," Bindon 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."
Tyler Bindon reflects on his special World Cup debut for New Zealand
Last year, Jenny Bindon reflected fondly on returning to play months after giving birth to Tyler, and said it was "amazing" he was representing the All Whites.
"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."
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Our football panel commend Darren Bazeley for his tactics vs Iran | FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sport Nation
