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United States national team coach Mauricio Pochettino created a stir during his side’s friendly against Senegal ahead of the 2026 World Cup on Monday, 1 June 2026, at the Bank of America Stadium.

The United States edged past Senegal with a narrow 3-2 victory.

However, it wasn’t the win that caught everyone’s attention this time.

It was a distinctive move by coach Mauricio Pochettino that became the focal point of discussion.

During each three-minute water break in both halves, Pochettino consistently took out a laptop.

The laptop served as a tactical board, helping him illustrate strategies for the players gathered around him.

The players stood close, attentively listening to their coach’s instructions.

Despite the success of this approach, Pochettino admitted he was unsure if such a gesture would be permitted at the upcoming World Cup.

There remains some uncertainty within the U.S. camp regarding whether bringing laptops onto the pitch would be allowed in the four-yearly tournament.

According to a report by The Athletic, Pochettino and other managers who prefer using technology will likely be allowed to use laptops during the 2026 World Cup matches.

The official rules already permit coaches to use electronic devices during games, with the International Football Association Board (IFAB) allowing small, portable, hand-held equipment such as microphones, headsets, earpieces, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops.

Managers and their staff will be allowed to use laptops to convey tactical instructions during the water break or short pauses in play, provided players do not cross the touchline to leave the field.

The inclusion of water breaks in every 2026 World Cup match marks a new development for the tournament.

Previously, such mid-game pauses were only introduced in matches played under extreme weather conditions to allow players to rest briefly.

This year, every World Cup match will include a three-minute break at a time determined by the referee around the middle of each half.

Pochettino expressed confidence that the United States will make a strong impression at the upcoming World Cup.

He particularly highlighted Christian Pulisic, who has been in excellent form at both club and international levels.

Pochettino firmly believes his star player will shine and find the back of the net at the 2026 World Cup.

“He will score at the World Cup,” Pochettino said, as quoted by the NY Post.

Pulisic himself was relieved after finding the net again for his country.

“It feels incredible. I’ve regained my confidence,” Pulisic said.

“I’ve actually been playing really well over the past few months, but people only seem to care about goals.”

“I hope people can stop talking about that. After all, this is just a friendly match.”

“We have big games coming up soon, and we must be ready for them,” he added.

Local Excitement Builds for the World Cup

It’s not only players and coaches who are gearing up for the 2026 World Cup.

Communities across Indonesia have also begun preparations to celebrate the global tournament.

One such example can be seen in the Mapili District of Polewali Mandar Regency, West Sulawesi.

Residents there have started putting up flags of participating nations along the roadside.

Bamboo poles, approximately 20 metres long, are used to hoist the flags high.

Each household displays a different national flag, supporting their favourite team in the four-yearly competition.

Flags of Argentina, Germany, Spain, France, and Brazil were among the first to be seen fluttering in the area.

“I put up the German flag because I’ve always supported the Panzer team in the World Cup,” said a local resident named Muslim, as quoted by Tribun-Sulbar.com on Monday (1 June 2026).

He noted that the enthusiasm among residents to display their favourite nations’ flags has been growing.

Muslim added that each person hopes their chosen country will emerge as champions.

“Now, local coffee shops are buzzing with debates about which team is the strongest and who will win it all,” Muslim remarked.

(Tribunnews.com/Guruh) (Tribun-Sulbar.com/Fahrun Ramli)