World Cup Fan Events Marred by Alleged Assault and Flares

Thousands of Socceroos fans and a handful of USA fans have packed into live sites across the country to watch the nations clash at the World Cup.

But an alleged sexual assault and the setting off of flares tarnished the country's biggest fan event at Melbourne's Federation Square.

A man was treated for facial burns in Sydney after flares were set off at the Darling Harbour live site just after 6am.

The USA won the match 2-0 after goals in the first half, but the Socceroos put in a much-improved performance in the second half.

The live site at Federation Square in Melbourne traditionally attracts a big crowd and that was again the case, despite early morning drizzle.

About 7,500 fans packed into the venue and Victoria Police said another 8,900 people attended the second live site at AAMI Park.

Police were forced to use horses from the Mounted Branch to stop a surge of fans when gates to the event opened.

"Disappointingly, 14 flares and one firework was set off at Federation Square prior to the match kicking off, which resulted in two people being arrested," a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

"Both are expected to be charged on summons."

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy in relation to the alleged sexual assault of a woman at the site shortly before the start of the game.

Some fans had waited in line for several hours.

"We've been here since 11:30pm waiting in line," said one fan who was optimistic before the game.

"Socceroos mate, three-nil. Easy," he said.

Former Socceroo Craig Foster, who was MC at the Federation Square live site, urged fans with flares not to set them off.

"We want to be here for every match," he said.

The Darling Harbour live site in Sydney also attracted a big crowd, but security there also had to deal with the setting off of flares.

Two men aged in their 20s who allegedly lit the flares were charged with possession of a bright light distress signal in a public place.

Another 20-year-old was assessed for facial burns before being taken to St Vincent's Hospital for further treatment.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

More than 1,000 fans gathered at the Parramatta Square live site in Sydney, where the weather at least was a bit more welcoming.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sent his support to the Socceroos via social media.

"You might not have a home crowd , but you've got the noise of a nation behind you," he said on X.

The live site at Brisbane's Southbank was well attended, with thousands of people turning up to watch the game.

Security escorted several people from the site after flares were set off towards the end of the match.

Police said a 20-year-old man was charged with public nuisance after he was caught with a flare.

Brisbane Socceroos fan Meg said she was not happy with some "rough decisions" by the referee during the game.

"The ref should've gone to Specsavers. It was quite challenging to watch," she said.

"Realistically, they only won one nil right, because we scored the first one," she said, referring to Cameron Burgess's own goal.

More than 800 flocked to Hobart's live theatre The Odeon for a watch party organised by Dark Lab in collaboration with City of Hobart and ABC Hobart.

The party was only organised this week, after ABC local radio highlighted that there was nowhere in the city for soccer fans to watch the match.

Tickets were snapped up in just 40 minutes when they were released on Thursday, prompting an additional 100 to be released yesterday.

"It's pretty awesome to have finally somewhere to watch the game in Hobart. We've come from the deep of Huon Valley, got up at a quarter to 3 and we're ready," said fan Liam Moschberger.

"It's a great opportunity. The atmosphere's awesome, everyone gets around it and we love Australia," said another fan, Josh Facchon.

US fan Deva Chabot was definitely in the minority at the Hobart event, but enjoyed the experience.

"I think we did amazing. It was a really good game," she said.

"It's pretty intimidating [going against the crowd], but it's so fun, it's really fun,"

In Canberra, former MP Bill Shorten joined Governor-General Sam Mostyn and supporters at the University of Canberra to watch the game.

"They're up against the very best in the world," Ms Mostyn said.

"The most important thing for them to know is back here in Australia, all Aussies are saying 'go Socceroos'."

The disappointing half-time scoreline did see some people leave the Federation Square site early and head home.

"Honestly, just really disappointed with the boys' effort in the first half. I think the line-up going in needs some work and I just thought they need to put a better effort in," one said.

"Been here since midnight and been in the line for three hours, so a bit disappointed."

It took just a few minutes for Federation Square to empty as disappointed Socceroos fans trudged out of the venue.

"[I'm] surprised that both the goal scorers last game were on the bench, which was a bit weird," one fan said.

"I really think we could have beat the US today, but some days you just lose. It happens."