USA 3-2 Senegal Highlights, International Friendly: Pulisic Shines As USMNT Overcome Lions Of Teranga

The United States claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Senegal in a high-octane pre-tournament friendly. The Americans flew out of the blocks, establishing a two-goal cushion within the first 20 minutes. Christian Pulisic first teed up Sergiño Dest for a clinical close-range finish, before getting on the scoresheet himself; Ricardo Pepi played a perfectly weighted pass to Pulisic, who rounded goalkeeper Diaw to slot into an empty net.

Senegal refused to fold, finding a lifeline just before the interval when Sadio Mané latched onto a clever Habib Diarra pass to fire into the bottom-left corner.

The second half became a chaotic affair following a massive influx of substitutions—including 10 changes for the U.S. and three for Senegal. After the Americans saw a Folarin Balogun effort ruled out for offside, Mané struck again to level the scores, capitalising on a defensive mix-up between Brady and Miles Robinson.

The U.S. regained their composure, and after another disallowed goal—this time a foul by Balogun denying Malik Tillman—Balogun finally restored the lead a minute later, drilling into the bottom corner. Despite a late barrage of chances, including a Weston McKennie strike against the post and a string of fine saves from Diaw, the scoreline held.

The U.S. dominated the underlying metrics with an expected goals (xG) of 2.66 to Senegal’s 1.74. Both squads now turn their attention to their final warm-up matches before the World Cup: the United States is set to face Germany, while Senegal prepares to take on Saudi Arabia.

Mbow executed a critical defensive block to deny Zendejas, who appeared to be through on goal. With a powerful recovery, Mbow slid in to thwart the attempt and prevent the shot from reaching the target.

Somehow, the scoreline remains 3-2! In a frantic sequence of play, Weston McKennie forced an initial sharp save from Diaw, only to rattle the woodwork on his follow-up effort. The ball then spilled kindly to Folarin Balogun, who looked certain to add his tally, but Diaw produced yet another sensational stop to deny him! Senegal is hanging on by a thread as the U.S. onslaught continues!

A golden opportunity for the U.S. to put this game beyond reach goes begging. Cristian Roldan cut inside onto his favored left foot deep within the area, but he couldn't connect cleanly, scuffing his effort well wide of the post. With the scoreline remaining at 4-2, the players head to the touchline for the second-half water break.

A potential goal for the USA that would have extended their lead to 4-2 was disallowed by the referee, who instead awarded a free-kick to Senegal. The decision stemmed from a challenge by Balogun, who was ruled to have committed a foul on a Senegalese player during his attempt to get a shot away. Despite the call being viewed as somewhat questionable, the match scoreline remains 3-2.

It is a chaotic scene at the back for the U.S. as Nicolas Jackson forces a disastrous turnover from Auston Trusty. Jackson pounced on the loose ball, beating Brady to it before Sadio Mané applied crucial pressure on Robinson, preventing the clearance on the goal line. Senegal capitalizes on the defensive blunder, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 and turning the heat way up on the Americans!

Folarin Balogun has struck again, clinically restoring a two-goal cushion for the United States! After latching onto the ball deep inside the penalty area, Balogun showed composed finishing to rifle his effort past Diaw. A crucial moment that puts the U.S. firmly in the driver's seat.

The players emerge out of the tunnels and take their formations on the pitch for the second half. USA make seven changes at the break, with Senegal also making a couple of substitutions.

After three minutes of additional time, the referee blows his whistle to bring the first half to an end. USA made a stunning start, going two goals up early, but Mane’s late strike has pulled Senegal back in the contest.

Senegal were slowly finding their rhythm in the contest, and Mane cuts the deficit with a goal right before half-time. Habib Diarra runs with the ball to the edge of the opposition’s penalty area before finding the run of Mane, who finds the bottom corner with a fine finish.

Very little joy for Senegal at the moment, who waste a free-kick opportunity in a dangerous area. USA win posession and break forward with pace, but Reyna’s cross for Pepi is a bit too heavy and is gathered by Diaw.

A couple of minutes later, Pepi finds the perfect ball to tee up Robinson, but the Fulham defender’s first-time shot is brilliantly blocked by Sarr.

Pulisic gets his name on the scoresheet to double USA’s lead inside the opening 20 minutes!! Pepi is involved again, finding himself with all the time and space on the right flank. He squares it back for Pulisic, who goes past Diaw before finding the back of the net from a tight angle.

A couple of brilliant opportunities for Senegal to equalise. The first one is created by a bursting run forward by Mane, but Turner beats him to the chase and puts in a strong challenge to get the danger away. Minutes later, Ndiaye makes a good run before squaring it for Jackson, but the Bayern striker fires his shot over the crossbar.

A good response from Senegal, who have pushed ahead since conceding early. Diarra’s foul on Ribonson brings their attacking move to an end, but it’s encouraging signs from the Lions of Teranga, who have had just one touch in the opposition’s box.

Sergino Dest scores to put USA ahead early in the contest!! It’s a fantastic team effort from the hosts, with Pepi finding the run of Pulisic, who beat the offside trap. The AC Milan man makes a darting run into the Senegal box before cutting it back for Dest to find the back of the net from close range.

A bright start from the hosts, who have controlled most of the ball in the early stages of the game. Pulisic plays a good cross into the box that almost finds an American player, but it comes to nothing. Still, positive signs for Pochettino’s side.

After the national anthems, the referee blows the whistle and we are underway in Charlotte. Stay tuned for live updates from the friendly clash.

• Fixture: USA vs Senegal

• Series: FIFA International Friendly

• Venue: Bank of Arena Stadium, Charlotte

• Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026

• Time: 1:00 AM IST (June 1)

Hello, football fans! This is the start of our live blog covering the international friendly between USA and Senegal. Stay tuned for pre-match updates and line-ups as they are released.