USMNT and Australia players step up as World Cup referee goes down in pain
· Yahoo Sports
The U.S. Men's National Team's 2-0 win over Australia at Seattle Stadium on Friday delivered one of the more peculiar moments of the 2026 World Cup - referee Felix Zwayer succumbing to cramp during stoppage time, with USMNT forward Folarin Balogun intervening to help stretch him out on the field.
With the United States clinching their second straight group-stage win, securing them a Round of 32 berth with a game to spare, the closing moments of an intense and occasionally chaotic second half were halted when Zwayer collapsed in visible pain.
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As players nearby looked on, Australia's Aiden O'Neill attempted to help Zwayer, who appeared to be dealing with cramp in his left leg. Shortly thereafter, Balogun also rushed over to extend his leg, as he took on fluids and spoke with a FIFA doctor, as per The Mirror US.
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The environment in Seattle had been taxing throughout, with a capacity crowd of 66,925 spectators filling the venue amid considerable heat. With six minutes of added time already on the board, the referee had been active for more than 90 minutes of demanding play.
For the United States, the incident couldn't have arrived at a more opportune time.
The USMNT had been facing some late pressure from Australia, who had gained momentum in the final quarter, winning more challenges and advancing with growing determination.
Tyler Adams had produced a crucial block inside the penalty area in the 86th minute, and the U.S. backline had been forced to throw bodies at two threatening crosses into the six-yard area during the dying stages.
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The stoppage provided a timely opportunity for Mauricio Pochettino's squad to regroup and regain their composure on the field.
Ultimately, the USMNT fended off late pressure from the Socceroos to secure all three points. This marks the first time a U.S. men's team has made it to the knockout rounds with a game remaining, and it was their first shutout since a 2-0 friendly win against Japan in September.
Now the pressure is off as they head into their final group game against Türkiye at SoFi Stadium on June 25. This gives Pochettino the option to rest key players ahead of the knockout rounds, potentially including Christian Pulisic, who missed the Australia game with a calf injury.