Alex Freeman's USMNT Goal Against Australia Was ‘Full-Circle Family Moment'

Alex Freeman scored his first-ever World Cup goal on Friday, helping the United States Men’s National Team defeat Australia, 2-0, in a massive Group D victory.

It seemed like deja vu for the USMNT‘s second game, with an early own goal coming courtesy of Australia’s Cameron Burgess 11 minutes in. Freeman became a star at the 43-minute mark when he further added to the lead.

His first goal of World Cup action after teammate Sergiño Dest’s kick was deflected above everyone’s heads. However, Freeman made the heads-up play, jumping to deliver a header near the goal to make it a 2-0 USMNT lead ahead of halftime.

Neither team would score after that, despite Australia trying to get something going and the United States attempting to break away downfield to make it a larger lead.

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Freeman has American football in his family, as his father, Antonio Freeman, famously starred for the Green Bay Packers. The younger Freeman called Friday’s goal at Lumens Field in Seattle a “full-circle family moment” due to being at an NFL venue his father played in and performed well in.

“For me, it just shows how great the family tree is. He can be great, but I can be great in my own way as well. I think that just shows how amazing it is to have a dad who’s successful and that can mentor me to be able to be ready for moments like these,” Freeman said, per ESPN.

“It was so emotional for me because I think you dream of this moment and for it to finally happen with such a support system to help you celebrate it makes so much more special,” he also shared.

Freeman’s goal initially was disallowed, but the VAR eventually confirmed it, which gave the USMNT a reason to celebrate their 2-0 lead on the pitch. It was certainly a “full-circle moment” due to what his father did in the same city.

In a game at Seattle 28 years ago, Antonio Freeman caught seven receptions for the Packers, courtesy of Brett Favre, ending with 108 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Basically, Favre and Freeman led Green Bay to a 31-10 road victory.

Now, years later, he has witnessed his son score a major goal for the USMNT in their quest to contend for a World Cup. The team officially qualified for the knockout round and awaits the results of Paraguay and Turkiye to see if they also won Group D.

This has to be a proud moment for Antonio Freeman to watch his son excel in a very different version of football than the American game he performed exceptionally well at.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 9:29 PM.