The United States edged Senegal, 3-2, on Sunday at Charlotte FC's Bank of America Stadium to win their penultimate tune-up match before co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Goals from Sergiño Dest, Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun paced the USMNT to their first victory since a 5-1 rout of Uruguay in November.
There were early signs of another blowout after Dest and Pulisic struck within the opening 20 minutes for the hosts. However, Senegal legend Sadio Mané scored twice on either side of halftime to level the proceedings.
Balogun, one of 10 halftime substitutions made by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, restored the USMNT's lead with a close-range finish in the 63rd minute.
The US were closer to a fourth goal than Senegal were to the equalizer, with multiple great chances over the final 25 minutes, giving the Yanks a boost ahead of hosting Germany on Saturday at Chicago Fire FC's Soldier Field in their final pre-World Cup friendly.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Less than two weeks before making their World Cup debut, the USMNT put in a convincing performance against a formidable opponent. However, it was far from a perfect performance, giving Pochettino plenty to improve on both ends of the field. Come their Group D opener against Paraguay on June 12, the margin for error all but disappears.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Balogun's game-winner eased any fears of a Senegal upset and gave the USMNT a deserved win.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: With a goal and an assist, Pulisic was the catalyst behind the positive result.
Next Up
- USA: Saturday, June 6 vs. Germany | 2:30 pm ET | International friendly
- SEN: Tuesday, June 9 vs. Saudi Arabia | 7 pm ET | International friendly
