USMNT Beat Senegal 3-2 to Kick Off Home World Cup Build-Up

USA edge Senegal in thrilling World Cup warm-up  

Christian Pulisic was involved in two goals as the USMNT opened their home World Cup prep with a 3-2 win over Senegal in Charlotte, with Balogun scoring the winner.

Goals from Sergino Dest, Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun gave the USA a win over Senegal in their first match since Pochettino named his 26-man World Cup squad...

Christian Pulisic was in on the first two goals as the United States beat Senegal 3-2 in a friendly in Charlotte. It was a perfect start to their World Cup prep, and it matched the number of goal contributions he had for AC Milan all of 2026.

The USMNT are under two weeks away from kicking off their World Cup opener vs Paraguay at home. Mauricio Pochettino just named his 26-man squad after years of waiting to co-host the tournament.

The early signs were promising. The US moved the ball well and struck in the 7th minute. Pulisic combined with Ricardo Pepi before setting up Sergino Dest for an easy finish.

Senegal had their best chance around the 15-minute mark when they tried to hit back. Iliman Ndiaye pulled it back, but Nicolas Jackson couldn’t keep his shot on target.

The US were ruthless again five minutes later. Pulisic got another pass from Pepi, this time he rounded Mory Diaw with ease and slid it home for his own goal.

Senegal finally got on the board just before halftime. Sadio Mane finished calmly from Habib Diarra’s pass after the midfielder burst through on a driving run.

Pochettino shuffled his lineup with 9 changes at halftime, while Pape Thiaw made 3. The new Senegal defenders looked rusty right away. Malik Tillman stripped Moustapha Mbow, fed Folarin Balogun, and he finished - but the flag was up for offside.

Miles Robinson didn’t get the same luck after his mistake. He couldn’t stop Sadio Mane from poking it over the line to make it 2-2, with Nicolas Jackson doing the setup work.

Tillman thought he’d put the US back in front too, but referee Nick Walsh waved it off after Balogun fouled. Balogun made up for it moments later when Mbow’s touch fell kindly from Timothy Weah’s cross, and he finished to restore the hosts’ lead.

Balogun nearly had another moments later, but his effort hit the post and Mory Diaw scrambled to deny the rebound.

The US defense wobbled again after halftime, but Miles Robinson recovered to block Sadio Mane’s follow-up and keep the lead at 3-2.

STARTING SUMMER WITH A VICTORY! pic.twitter.com/SoCdOtXLRV

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) May 31, 2026

Pochettino rotated heavily with nine changes, while Senegal’s Pape Thiaw made three. The new US back line took time to settle as Malik Tillman pressed Moustapha Mbow, won it back, and set up Folarin Balogun. His finish was ruled offside.

Senegal leveled soon after when a Robinson slip let Mane bundle in from close range after good work by Nicolas Jackson.

Tillman thought he’d put the hosts back in front, but referee Nick Walsh chalked it off for a foul by Balogun. Balogun got his goal moments later though, pouncing on a lucky deflection from Mbow after Timothy Weah’s cross.