Mauricio Pochettino used a laptop during a mid-first-half cooling break in the United States men's national soccer team's 3-2 friendly victory over Senegal on May 31, 2026, to show players video clips for tactical feedback [1]. This approach marked a departure from traditional methods like tactics boards or pen and paper, adding a new layer of on-the-spot analysis during a live match [2].
Cooling breaks are now mandated during every World Cup match, regardless of temperature, aiming to create equal conditions for teams playing in various climates [1, 2]. However, at the World Cup, players will not be allowed to leave the field during these breaks, and it remains unclear what types of tactical communication or equipment usage will be permitted [1, 2].
Pochettino first started using in-game video analysis with players in 2009 when he coached Espanyol [1]. Speaking about the laptop use in the USMNT match, he said, "The players need to feel, but they also need to see. I think it’s very helpful for the player to see actions. When they see the image, I think it’s really important" [1]. He reiterated, "It's not only to tell them what you want to improve or what they need to do when they see the image, it's really important now" [2].
USMNT defender Mark McKenzie described the laptop tactic review as "a bit different for sure, but for us, it's beneficial; it gives you that minute or so to fine-tune some things. Maybe make some adjustments, figure out our press or how to transition, whatever it may be. But it also helps to take a breath and reset yourselves as a collective" [2].
Previously, cooling breaks were implemented only when temperatures reached 89.6°F or higher [2]. The new rule will see breaks at every World Cup match regardless of heat.
The USMNT is scheduled to face Paraguay next on June 12, 2026 [2]. This will provide another opportunity to see how in-game tactical tools are employed under official competition conditions.
