Mauricio Pochettino's unique USMNT tactics raise questions ahead of FIFA World Cup

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Mauricio Pochettino used a hydration break to show his players footage on a laptop against Senegal -Credit:John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images


With the World Cup rapidly approaching, U.S. Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has turned heads after expressing doubt over whether a novel tactic meets FIFA standards.

During Sunday's friendly against Senegal, the United States introduced an unconventional twist to the hydration breaks that have been implemented for the tournament.

Rather than congregating on the touchline for water and a brief team discussion, the players gathered around a laptop on the bench. As a staff member supported the device, Pochettino utilized the screen to demonstrate tactical points. "I think it's very helpful for the players to see actions," Pochettino explained after the game, via The Mirror US.

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Pochettino admitted he was unsure if FIFA would permit this tactic in the future -Credit:TNT Sports/X

"It's not only to tell what you want (them) to improve, or what they need to do. When they see the image, it's really important now."

The issue is that the United States remains uncertain whether FIFA will permit the tactic to be employed during the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off in less than two weeks. "We'll see now in the World Cup if they can allow that, and how we are going to do that," Pochettino added post-game.

FIFA's existing regulations do not explicitly clarify whether laptops can be utilized to show tactical footage during hydration breaks or whether players are authorized to exit the field while the stoppage occurs. While tournament rules permit laptops and tablets on the sideline, the precise restrictions surrounding the newly expanded breaks remain ambiguous.

At the tournament, mandatory three-minute hydration breaks will be enforced midway through each half of every match, regardless of weather conditions. The governing body states the measure is primarily designed to safeguard player welfare, though it also carries considerable sporting and commercial implications.

Pochettino has previously voiced reservations about the breaks, but has nonetheless embraced them as a chance to communicate directly with his players.

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The Argentine has routinely utilized stoppages and halftime intervals for tactical instruction since launching his coaching career with Espanyol in 2009.

Several USMNT players indicated the break proved beneficial, even if they were initially caught off guard by the approach. "I was definitely surprised, because normally you're not allowed off the field," defender Mark McKenzie said. "It was a new one, for sure."

Pochettino disclosed that U.S. players and staff met with FIFA officials on Friday to discuss several of the new regulations that will be in effect for the World Cup.

However, he noted that certain situations remain unresolved, with FIFA yet to determine how specific scenarios and in-game incidents will be managed during the tournament.

The United States has one final warm-up match before the tournament, taking on Germany on Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago. Pochettino's side will then kick off its World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium.

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