Why was Alex Freeman’s USMNT goal against Australia awarded after a VAR review?

Alex Freeman and the USMNT were left briefly wondering what might have been after the defender’s first World Cup goal was initially ruled out against Australia before VAR intervened.

For the second game running at the 2026 World Cup, the USMNT made a blistering start against Australia in Seattle, taking a 2-0 lead into halftime thanks to an own goal by Cameron Burgess and a header from Freeman.

Freeman denied, then rewarded

Freeman’s goal, which came two minutes before halftime, was initially disallowed by German referee Felix Zwayer, with the on-field decision ruling the defender offside.

The Villarreal fullback was quickest to react after Sergiño Dest’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked and looped into the air toward the Australian goal. Freeman could hardly miss from close range, but he almost saw his first World Cup goal taken away.

Zwayer and his assistant referee believed the 21-year-old had been ahead of the Australian defense when Dest struck the ball. The deflection off an Australian player was not taken into account.

VAR gets the decision right

However, replays and a subsequent VAR check showed Freeman was marginally behind Australia defender Jacob Italiano when Dest took his shot. The referee eventually overturned the original decision and awarded the goal.

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