Pochettino's laptop tactics and player indifference: USA adapts to World Cup hydration breaks

The United States men’s national team has already clinched top spot in Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, winning both of their opening matches against Paraguay and Australia. But one of the tournament’s more unusual talking points has followed them throughout: mandatory three-minute hydration breaks inserted midway through each half.

FIFA introduced the cooling stops to protect players from extreme summer heat, with temperatures in several host cities expected to exceed 100°F. The measure effectively divides matches into quarters rather than two uninterrupted 45-minute halves. Not every venue requires it — many World Cup stadiums feature roofs and climate-control systems — but the rule applies uniformly regardless of conditions.

For the USA players, the reaction has been largely muted. “I’m pretty indifferent towards it,” starting goalkeeper Matt Freese told reporters on Tuesday. “I’ve done it before in MLS, so it’s not too new for me.” Sergino Dest was slightly warmer on the idea, describing the breaks as a chance to reset mentally. “I think it’s nice to have a hydration break. It’s also [a chance] to kind of settle and talk with your teammates. It can be nice,” he said ahead of the Australia fixture.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino, however, has been anything but passive during the stoppages. During a pre-tournament friendly against Senegal in Charlotte, television cameras caught Pochettino opening a laptop mid-break as players crowded around him to review footage and tactical adjustments. The moment went viral, drawing both amusement and admiration.

“I think it’s very helpful for the players to see actions,” Pochettino said after that match. “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.” He acknowledged the approach was “unusual” but claimed he had pioneered it during his time managing Espanyol between 2009 and 2012. He has continued using the laptop at the World Cup itself.

The debate over hydration breaks has simmered for months, with some coaches and players arguing they are unnecessary in enclosed, climate-controlled stadiums. The USA’s opening game at Los Angeles Stadium was largely enclosed with an evening kickoff, while their second match in Seattle took place in an open-air venue at midday — yet the players reported little difference in how the breaks felt either way.

The Americans face Türkiye on Thursday in Los Angeles to close out Group D, though the result carries no bearing on their progression. They are already confirmed for the round of 32 on July 1 in Santa Clara, California.