Referee goes down in stoppage time
The United States were closing in on a 2-0 win over Australia when one of the most unusual moments of the World Cup brought play to a halt.
Referee Felix Zwayer pulled up in stoppage time at Seattle Stadium, the tournament name for Lumen Field, after appearing to suffer a severe leg cramp. The German official dropped to the turf and needed assistance before he could continue.
According to UNILAD, USA forward Folarin Balogun and Australia midfielder Aiden O’Neill were among those who helped stretch out Zwayer’s left leg while medical staff came onto the pitch.
The incident briefly stopped the match, but Zwayer was able to get back to his feet and finish the game.
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Pickle juice enters the picture
The stoppage became even stranger when a drink was brought onto the pitch to help the referee recover.
According to The Sun, fourth official Katia Garcia came over with pickle juice after Zwayer went down, while players helped stretch his leg.
The moment was also shared by 10 Sport AU on X, helping turn the incident into one of the more unusual viral clips of the tournament.
Pickle juice is sometimes used by athletes during cramp episodes because of its sharp, salty taste. It is not a complete solution to dehydration or fatigue, but some athletes believe it can help the nervous system calm a cramping muscle quickly.
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A rare sight on the World Cup stage
Player cramps are common in major tournaments, especially in hot or humid conditions. Seeing the referee require similar treatment is far less familiar.
UNILAD described the incident as “a World Cup first,” although that should be understood as the outlet’s description of a highly unusual moment rather than an official FIFA record.
The scene quickly drew attention because it cut against the usual rhythm of a football match. Referees are rarely the focus for physical issues, even though they cover large distances and must keep pace with play for more than 90 minutes.
According to Indian Express, the match was Zwayer’s World Cup debut, making the moment even more memorable for the 45-year-old official.
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Former Australia international Luke Wilkshire reacted on commentary by saying: “Oh here we go. I’ve seen it all now. The referee’s cramping.”
Broadcaster David Basheer added: “That’s the first time I’ve seen a player help a referee in that way.”
Players step in to help
The immediate response from both teams gave the incident a lighter tone after the initial concern.
Balogun and O’Neill helped stretch the referee’s leg, while Garcia came onto the pitch as Zwayer tried to recover. Indian Express reported that Garcia was also preparing herself in case Zwayer could not continue.
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In the end, that was not needed. The referee resumed his duties and completed the final moments of the match without further interruption.
USA secure important win
The strange stoppage did not change the outcome.
According to FIFA’s match centre, the United States beat Australia 2-0 in Group D, with Cameron Burgess scoring an own goal in the 11th minute before Alex Freeman added the second in the 43rd minute.
The result strengthened the hosts’ position in the tournament and sent the home crowd away with another winning moment.
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But for many watching, the lasting image was not a goal or a save. It was the referee on the turf, being stretched out by players from both teams before getting back up to finish the match.
