Why Alex Freeman's goal was ruled onside for USA after VAR review

It didn't take long for the United States to find the back of the net with an own goal in Friday's match against Australia, but the first goal off an American player didn't come until deep into the first half.

At first, it looked as though the goal didn't count.

The Alex Freeman goal was quickly waved off by officials, but an extended review determined Freeman was onside and had a good goal to make it 2-0 in favor of the USA.

Here's a look at why VAR ruled Freeman was onside. 

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Why Alex Freeman's goal was ruled onside

Officials initially ruled Freeman offside, but VAR found that the last Australia defender was clearly behind Freeman before the ball was deflected up into the air and ultimately knocked by the 21-year-old.

Here's a look at how clear it was upon review:

The onside call that allowed Alex Freeman's goal to stand 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Wh1TwCI2OX

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 19, 2026

The defender's body appeared to be behind Freeman by a small margin, but his leg — which counts toward the offside rule — was sticking out, making the decision to overturn the offside call a fairly obvious one.

Here's a look at the reaction in Seattle when the call was overturned.

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 19, 2026

Here's what you need to know about why Freeman was initially ruled offside.

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Why was originally ruled offside?

VAR is in use for a reason: officials are human and make mistakes, particularly if they aren't seeing a play for the right angle or are blocked by other players.

To the naked eye, Freeman's body wasn't clearly ahead of the defender's, but VAR revealed that the defender's torso was slightly behind Freeman and his foot, which kicked out, was clearly behind Freeman. 

MORE: What to know about offsides rule in soccer

What is VAR?

Video assistant referee (VAR) technology helps officials correct or confirm decisions made during a World Cup match. VAR officials watch every aspect of a match and can work with officials on the field to review calls. 

VAR also comes with semi automated technology technology that can precisely tell whether a player is onside or offside by using cameras placed around the stadium. On Friday, those cameras helped produce this look at the play:

Another look at the VAR review on Alex Freeman's goal pic.twitter.com/cdPsLGbmwN

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026

At the World Cup, VAR can help officials review goals, penalties, red cards, mistaken identity and corner kicks.

Alex Freeman dad

Freeman is the son of former NFL wide receiver Antonio Freeman, who played in the NFL from 1995-2003 and spent all but one of his nine seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

The elder Freeman had three 1,000-yard seasons in Green Bay, winning the Supe Bowl as a rookie in 1995 and topping out at 1,424 yards with Brett Favre in 1998.