Why USA’s second goal against Australia was allowed to stand after VAR review

FootballSports
20 Jun 2026 • 3:52 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why USA’s second goal against Australia was allowed to stand after VAR review

  • Co-hosts USA faced Australia in their second World Cup match in Seattle on Friday.
  • USA went in front in the 11th minute through a Cameron Burgess own goal and Alex Freeman put the ball in the net again shortly before halftime as he headed the ball home from close range after a shot was deflected up into the air, but the offside flag went up.
  • The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) looked at the incident, with replays showing two US players stood in offside positions, but Burgess was onside.
  • VAR deemed that the two offside players did not interfere with play, and instructed the referee to award the goal.
  • The referee’s decision was announced to the packed crowd in Seattle, sparking wild celebrations from the players and the fans as the US moved into a two-goal lead.