United States Defeats Senegal 3-2 in World Cup Warmup

The United States defeated Senegal 3-2 on May 31 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match began at 3:30 PM and served as the Americans' next-to-last warmup before the 2026 World Cup. Sergiño Dest scored in the seventh minute after Christian Pulisic set up the goal.

Pulisic then scored in the 20th minute off a Ricardo Pepi pass, beating goalkeeper Mory Diaw from a tight angle. Pulisic's goal was his 33rd international goal in 85 appearances and marked his eighth career game with both a goal and an assist for the United States. Sadio Mané scored twice for Senegal.

His first goal came in the 44th minute after Antonee Robinson's giveaway and a Habib Diarra pass. His second goal came in the 52nd minute after Nicolas Jackson lifted the ball over goalkeeper Chris Brady. Mané now has 54 international goals for Senegal.

Folarin Balogun had a goal disallowed for offside in the 49th minute before scoring his ninth international goal in the 63rd minute on a cross from Tim Weah that deflected off Moustapha Mbow. The United States made substitutions at halftime. The American starting lineup averaged 44 international appearances, the highest since the October 2017 loss to Trinidad and Tobago.

The United States started Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, and captain Tim Ream in a three-center-back formation. Gio Reyna made his first start for club or country since December 19, 2025. Christian Pulisic ended a five-month scoring drought for club and country with his first international goal since November 2024.

He also finished his AC Milan season scoreless in 19 club games since December 28, 2025. The United States is ranked No. 16 in the world and Senegal is ranked No. 14. The United States will play Germany on June 6 before opening the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay.

Senegal will play Saudi Arabia in a friendly on June 9 and opens the World Cup against France on June 16.