NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Australia coach Tony Popovic shared his thoughts on refereeing after Friday’s 2-0 loss to the United States in Seattle.
“I think today was, I wouldn’t say the best day for the referee,” Popovic told reporters after the game.
A controversial moment came as the Americans appeared to score their second goal. The play was initially called back for offside, but after a VAR review the officials ruled the goal was valid and let it stand.
WATCH THE WC FINAL ON FOX ONE
Australia head coach Tony Popovic reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between the United States and Australia at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Washington on June 19, 2026. (Sarah Stier/FIFA/Getty Images)
The U.S. found the back of the net late in the 43rd minute after a free kick was stopped, then Alex Freeman, son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman, headed in a ball. The score was immediately protested by the Australians, who felt their goalkeeper had been obstructed or was offside. After a VAR review, the call stood and the goal was awarded.
Tensions boiled over late in the match when a physical altercation broke out. Australia’s Harry Souttar tackled USA’s Folarin Balogun in what commentators described as a “naked choke from behind.” Zwayer regained control by issuing yellow cards to Balogun, Souttar and Australian Jacob Italiano.
Australia received four yellow cards, while the USA received three.
Popovic was seen approaching German match manager Felix Zwayer after the match, in a hurry.
FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP WATCHING EXPERIENCE
USA’s Alex Freeman heads the ball past Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach after a goal during the World Cup Group D match in Seattle on June 19, 2026. (Maddy Grassy/AP Photo)
Zwayer also pulled up with a cramp toward the end of the USA’s win. The German official, 45, required help from both USA’s Folarin Balogun and Australia’s Aiden O’Neill, who stretched his left leg after Zwayer fell to the turf.
Still, the manager gave credit to the Americans and admitted his players looked “sluggish” on Friday.
“I don’t know if it’s the reason, but we looked sluggish, heavy-footed… They won every duel, they won every other ball and when you do that it makes it very difficult to get any momentum. And then we conceded two soft goals,” he said.
“When you think, you know, this noise here – the host nation – I think the players show how good they are in the second half, but obviously at this level you can’t give that much away in the first.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
FIFA referee Felix Zwayer, who collapsed with convulsions, was a reminder of how physically demanding it is to be a football referee. (Photo by Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
With its 2-0 record, the USA is in first place with six points, while Australia remains with three and in second place. Both Paraguay and Turkey, who face each other on Friday to potentially decide the USA’s group fate, are winless with zero points.
The U.S. would clinch a Group D win and a favorable tie in the Round of 32 if Paraguay either beats or holds with Turkey — that game kicks off at 11 p.m. ET.
