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Australia coach Tony Popovic shared his thoughts on a referee after Friday’s 2-0 loss to the United States in Seattle.
“I think today was not the best day for the referee,” Popovic told reporters after the match.
A controversial moment came when the Americans showed up to score their second goal. The play was initially called back for offside, but after a VAR review, the referees determined the goal was valid and left it at that.
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Australia head coach Tony Popovic reacts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup 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 United States found the back of the net late in the 43rd minute after a free kick was saved, and then Alex Freeman, son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman, headed a ball in. The score was immediately protested by the Australians, who felt that their goalkeeper had been impeded or was offside. Following a VAR review, the decision was upheld and the goal was awarded.
Tensions boiled over late in the game when a physical altercation broke out. Australian Harry Souttar grabbed American Folarin Balogun in what commentators described as a “rear-naked choke.” Zwayer regained control by showing yellow cards to Balogun, Souttar and Australian Jacob Italiano.
Australia received four yellow cards, while the United States received three.
Popovic was seen urgently approaching German referee Felix Zwayer after the match.
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Alex Freeman of the United States heads the ball past Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach during the World Cup Group D soccer match in Seattle on June 19, 2026. (Maddy Grassy/AP Photo)
Zwayer also suffered a cramp toward the end of the United States’ victory. The 45-year-old German official needed help from both American Folarin Balogun and Australian Aiden O’Neill, who stretched his left leg after Zwayer fell to the grass.
Still, the coach gave credit to the Americans and admitted that his players looked “slow” on Friday.
“I don’t know if it’s the occasion, but we seemed slow, with heavy legs… They won every duel, they won every second ball and when you do that, it’s very difficult to gain 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 reveal as much in the first half.”
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The fact that FIFA referee Felix Zwayer suffered cramps 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 record of 2-0, the United States is in first place with six points, while Australia remains with three and in second place. Both Paraguay and Türkiye, who meet on Friday to potentially determine the fate of the United States group, are winless and have zero points.
The United States would achieve a victory in Group D and a favorable tie in the round of 32, if Paraguay wins or draws with Türkiye; that game starts at 11 pm Eastern time.
