Australia World Cup star speaks out against referee after big loss to US as coaches complain
Australia were defeated 2-0 by the United States in a World Cup group match. After the game, forward Nestory Irankunda and manager Tony Popovic publicly criticised referee Felix Zwayer for perceived biased decisions. The match also featured a controversial U.S. second goal that was upheld after a VAR review.
- ▪Australia lost 2-0 to the United States in the World Cup group stage.
- ▪Nestory Irankunda described referee Felix Zwayer as a "stinker" and said the calls favored the U.S. team.
- ▪Tony Popovic complained that the referee gave too many fouls away and was inconsistent in his decisions.
- ▪The U.S. second goal was initially called offside but was allowed to stand after a VAR review.
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The World Cup Australia World Cup star speaks out against referee after big loss to US as coaches complain Manager Tony Popovic was seen in a heated exchange with match officials after the final whistle By Jackson Thompson Fox News Published June 20, 2026 8:45am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Why World Cup fans love America more than Democrats California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton discusses how international World Cup fans are falling in love with American culture and the Democratic Party on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A star player on Australia's World Cup team spoke out against referee Felix Zwayer after a 2-0 loss to the U.S.
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