USMNT Clash With Senegal: Everything You Need to Know Before the International Friendly Showdown

U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino unveiled his official World Cup squad on Tuesday, the 26 players tasked with the enormous challenge of bringing home the title on American soil this summer; however, that was just one of many questions resolved for the Argentine tactician. He still has several matters to sort out before the World Cup opener on June 12, with only two pre-tournament warm-up matches to do so, beginning with a fixture against 2025 AFCON runners-up Senegal on Sunday.

The match represents the first time the full group of 26 Americans has assembled together, meaning Pochettino will be keen to assess which players work best alongside each other and in what system, having preferred a three-back setup last fall before switching to a four-back arrangement in the new year.

Sunday's contest is also the first outing since the March international break, during which the USMNT endured two defeats — an embarrassing 5–2 thrashing at the hands of Belgium and a 2–0 setback against Portugal. The Stars and Stripes will be desperate to return to winning form before stepping into the spotlight of football's biggest stage.

Meanwhile, Senegal arrive at Bank of America Stadium on the back of consecutive victories, having beaten Peru 2–0 and Gambia 3–1 during the March window. The Lions of Teranga also come in with a chip on their shoulder following the controversy of having their AFCON crown stripped nearly two months after the final, giving them extra motivation to perform.

While the outcome won't carry enormous weight on Sunday, both sides will be looking for a morale-boosting result in the buildup to the World Cup, now just a fortnight away.

World Cup Previews

All 48 Teams

Bespoke Illustrations

USMNT vs. Senegal Score Prediction

USMNT Earn an Action-Packed Draw Against West African Powerhouse

Following back-to-back losses to European heavyweights in March and amid high expectations of a deep run this summer, the USMNT must demonstrate they can compete with the elite, and there is no better opportunity than securing a positive result against the formidable West African side. Senegal sits 14th in the world, two places above the Stars and Stripes in FIFA's global rankings.

Pochettino should have his attack operating at full capacity, with every offensive player fit and available, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun. Pulisic will be desperate to snap his slump heading into the tournament — currently enduring the worst goalless run of his career. He has gone 19 games without finding the net, stretching back to 2025 at club level and 2024 for the national side. Despite this, both he and Pochettino have remained confident that the goals will return shortly.

If Pulisic continues to struggle in front of goal, Balogun appears more than capable of picking up the slack, given his remarkable scoring form. The 24-year-old racked up 19 goals and five assists across 43 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Champions League, cementing his status as one of Europe's most exciting young forwards.

Where the USMNT may be vulnerable, however, is at the back. The hosts will be without defensive cornerstone Chris Richards, who tore two ligaments in his ankle last week while playing for Crystal Palace, ruling him out of Sunday's match. The center back is a vital component of the U.S. defensive structure, and his absence leaves a quality gap that captain Tim Ream and the remaining options may struggle to fill, potentially giving Senegal's dangerous forwards Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson room to exploit.

Prediction: USMNT 2–2 Senegal

USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Senegal

Pochettino has only two friendlies to finalize the ideal lineup and formation for the USMNT. After settling on a back three during October and November friendlies, he shifted to a back four in March and is expected to continue with the 4-2-3-1 shape on Sunday.

Mark McKenzie could partner Tim Ream in central defense following his impressive end to the Ligue 1 campaign with Toulouse. While Ream was named tournament captain and brings vast experience to the squad (80 caps), the 38-year-old can occasionally be a weak link — his limited mobility and reactive style reflecting his advancing years.

Antonee Robinson and Dest are expected to occupy the wide defensive positions, with Robinson having been one of the few standout performers and consistent attacking threats during the March window. Dest, meanwhile, has swiftly returned to full fitness after picking up a hamstring injury in early March.

McKennie and Adams are set to form a robust midfield double pivot, likely operating with a more defensive focus to compensate for Richards's absence. Malik Tillman has been a trusted option for Pochettino in the No. 10 role, but could be shifted out wide to cover for Tim Weah on the right flank, allowing Gio Reyna or Sebastian Berhalter to step into the playmaker position — both of whom enjoy Pochettino's full confidence.

In goal, all signs suggest New York City FC's Matt Freese holds the edge for the starting spot; however, New England Revolution's Matt Turner saw action during the March international window and may well feature again this week.

USMNT predicted lineup vs. Senegal (4-2-3-1): Freese; Dest, McKenzie, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams; Weah, Tillman, Pulisic; Balogun.

Senegal Predicted Lineup vs. USMNT

With captain and key center back Kalidou Koulibaly still sidelined through injury, Senegal boss Pape Thiaw may turn to 20-year-old Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr as his replacement, partnering veteran Moussa Niakhaté to contain the attacking threat posed by Balogun, Pulisic and Weah.

The midfield is likely to be anchored by all-time caps record holder Idrissa Gueye, potentially supported by Habib Diarra and Pape Matar Sarr on either side.

The U.S. backline will face a stern test from the attacking trio of Jackson, all-time top scorer Mané and Iliman Ndiaye.

Senegal predicted lineup vs. USMNT (4-3-3): Mendy; Diouf, Niakhaté, Sarr, Mendy; Sarr, Gueye, Diarra; Mané, Jackson, Ndiaye.

What Time Does USMNT vs. Senegal Kick Off?

How to Watch USMNT vs. Senegal on TV, Live Stream