World Cup referee’s quick recovery sparks speculation over a mystery drink

A strange sideline moment during the United States’ 2-0 win over Paraguay on Friday, June 20, 2026, in the World Cup’s knockout round went viral. In stoppage time, German referee Felix Zwayer collapsed to the ground and needed medical attention for several minutes after appearing to suffer a muscle strain.

Players from Australia helped treat him, and because the match was almost over, he stayed on the pitch instead of being replaced. After a few minutes of stretching, the fourth official ran onto the field and handed Zwayer what social media quickly dubbed the “mystery bottle.” The referee drank from it, got back to his feet shortly afterward, and signaled for play to continue.

Doctors said the drink was likely pickle juice, a remedy often used to relieve muscle cramps quickly, sometimes in under two minutes. The effect is not believed to come from hydration or electrolyte replacement, but from a throat reflex triggered by acetic acid in vinegar, which sends signals to the nervous system and helps overactive, contracted muscles relax.