New Zealand is widely recognized as a rugby powerhouse. Many of the country's top athletes have emerged from the sport, and it is often the natural choice for young athletes growing up in Aotearoa.

For Tyler Bindon, however, the story unfolded differently. At home, the dominant sports were volleyball and football. His father was heavily involved in volleyball, while his mother built a career in football. Despite rugby's status as the national sport, Tyler's interests remained closer to the sports that surrounded him growing up.

Following a family path

Much of Tyler's inspiration came from what he saw at home, particularly through the career of his mother, Jenny Bindon. While his father captained New Zealand's national volleyball team, Jenny represented New Zealand as a goalkeeper and became one of the country's most accomplished footballers.

She played 77 matches for the national team and represented New Zealand at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China and the 2011 edition in Germany. Jenny also competed at the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012. Her journey left a lasting impact on Tyler, who later acknowledged on Instagram that he would not have reached this point without his mother's influence.

Now, Tyler has written his own chapter in New Zealand football history. After coming off the bench against Iran at the 2026 World Cup, he joined his mother in the record books as part of the first-ever mother-son duo to appear in FIFA World Cup tournaments. Jenny represented New Zealand at two Women's World Cups, while Tyler has now made his own appearance on football's biggest stage.

A place in the history books

The milestone feels even more significant considering Tyler's path to the national team. He made his senior debut for New Zealand in 2023 at just 18 years old and had already accumulated 25 international appearances by the time the World Cup arrived.

At club level, he developed in the Los Angeles FC academy before moving to Reading. In 2026, he earned a transfer to Nottingham Forest. Although he briefly appeared for the United States Under-19 team in 2023 after his family relocated to Los Angeles in 2017 when his mother accepted a coaching position at UCLA, Tyler never hesitated when the opportunity came to represent New Zealand.

Life often creates moments that seem destined to happen, and the Bindon family has found itself at the center of one of football's most unique stories. Together, Jenny and Tyler have become a one-of-a-kind family in World Cup history.

At 21 years old, Tyler is hoping to become one of New Zealand's surprises during the tournament. Comfortable in defensive situations, he excels at clearing crosses, blocking shots, and staying alert inside the penalty area. Although he made his World Cup debut as a substitute, he is also focused on showing his ability in possession and making a strong impression ahead of his first season with Nottingham Forest.

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