USMNT narrowly beats Senegal 3-2 in Pochettino's 25th match

The United States men’s national team defeated Senegal 3-2 on Sunday in Mauricio Pochettino’s 25th match as head coach. Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest started together for the first time under Pochettino, who has held the post for nineteen months.

The pair had been central to the 2022 World Cup cycle but had been limited by injuries, with Dest suffering a torn ACL just before the 2024 Copa América and Robinson missing much of last fall with knee issues.

Five minutes after kickoff, the United States took the lead through a sequence of 20 passes completed in 64 seconds. U.S. half to the net in ten seconds.

Dest finished from Pulisic’s low cross. Pepi made his first start for the national team since 18 November 2024. The 21-year-old right center-back Alex Freeman, who came through the Orlando City academy and plays for Villarreal, shifted wide during the sequence to allow Dest to remain in the forward line.

Senegal pulled one goal back through Sadio Mané after the United States had led 2-0. The concession followed a turnover that began when Robinson and Tyler Adams attempted a one-two; the pair had not started together since November 2024. Robinson plays for Fulham and Dest for PSV.

Freeman is the son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman. The United States is scheduled to face Paraguay and Australia in its opening group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup before a stakes-dependent group game against Turkey. Senegal proved more adventurous than those projected opponents, pressing higher and leaving space behind its defensive line.

Pulisic scored in the match, marking his return among the goals. The victory was the second time in four games the United States has beaten an opponent ranked inside the world’s top dozen.