Pochettino Labels VAR 'Annoying' as 2026 World Cup Approaches

Mauricio Pochettino isn't holding back on his feelings about VAR. The United States men's national team manager, who will guide the Americans through their home World Cup in 2026, made his position crystal clear during an appearance on The Overlap: "It's annoying me a little bit, the VAR."

It's a remarkably honest admission from someone whose upcoming tournament will rely heavily on the very technology he's criticizing. But for Pochettino, this goes beyond simple frustration with delayed calls or interrupted play.

The Argentine tactician believes VAR is fundamentally altering football's DNA. "It's changing the way that we also educate our young kids in that game," Pochettino explained. This isn't just complaining about inconvenience — it's a seasoned coach watching his sport's principles being reshaped by technology and regulatory bodies.

The Deeper Issue: Competition vs. Entertainment

Pochettino's VAR concerns connect to a broader tension he's identified, especially relevant given his current position in the United States. The former Tottenham and PSG boss drew a stark distinction between football's traditional identity and the American sports entertainment model.

"Football is not an entertainment game. It's a competitive game, and that is what we are forcing it to change into," he stated emphatically.

His observation carries weight. North American sports like football, basketball, and hockey are built around commercial breaks, instant replays, and production spectacle. Soccer's global appeal has always stemmed from something different — 90 uninterrupted minutes where tension builds organically through continuous play. VAR disrupts precisely that flow.

The irony isn't lost: Pochettino is coaching in a country where sports-as-entertainment is the default model, preparing for a World Cup that global broadcasters will package exactly that way.

Implications for USMNT's 2026 Campaign

Despite his reservations, Pochettino must work within the system. The 2026 World Cup will feature VAR throughout, with semi-automated offside detection expected to accelerate certain decisions. Personal preferences aside, he needs his squad ready to adapt, capitalize on, and survive VAR's influence on matches.

Pochettino brings serious credentials — a Champions League final appearance with Spurs and trophies at Paris Saint-Germain. He understands pressure football. However, managing through a home World Cup presents unique challenges. Every controversial VAR decision involving the United States will face scrutiny from massive crowds and relentless media coverage.

History suggests any team making a deep run in 2026 will experience at least one match significantly affected by video review. How Pochettino prepares his players psychologically and tactically for those moments could prove as crucial as any tactical setup. His public skepticism shows refreshing candour, though whether it becomes problematic remains to be seen.

"We are now forcing that unbelievable sport to become an entertainment game, and that is what I hate," Pochettino declared. Strong language from a manager operating at the intersection of competitive integrity and commercial spectacle, preparing for the biggest tournament of his coaching career.