Alongside Mexico and Canada, the United States are one of the three host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the USA recently becoming the first host nation to officially announce their squad for the tournament. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will continue their preparations on Sunday when they face Senegal in an international friendly at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
The fixture comes at a key stage for both nations, with the Americans still scheduled to face Germany next week after Julian Nagelsmann’s side take on Finland in another pre-World Cup friendly at the MEWA Arena.
The @USMNT official X account has already begun building excitement ahead of the clash, posting “Crunch time starts in Charlotte on Sunday” alongside a promotional video as preparations intensify before the tournament begins on home soil.
A defeat against Senegal would mark a third consecutive loss for Pochettino’s men and extend their worrying run of defeats at home. The USMNT conceded seven goals across recent losses to Portugal and Belgium, exposing defensive concerns ahead of the World Cup.
However, the Americans have remained dangerous going forward, scoring at least twice in five of their last six matches. Before those defeats, Pochettino had overseen four wins and a draw on home soil, with optimism still surrounding a talented attacking group led by Christian Pulisic.
Meanwhile, Senegal arrive in North America hoping to finish their World Cup preparations strongly despite a turbulent year. Their AFCON triumph over Morocco in January was controversially overturned due to on-pitch incidents, though the Court of Arbitration for Sport later confirmed an appeal had been lodged against the decision to strip them of the title.
Pape Thiaw’s side have nonetheless impressed defensively, conceding in just three of their last 12 completed matches. Had the Morocco victory remained official, Senegal would have entered this fixture chasing an eighth consecutive win.
The Lions of Teranga have struggled slightly away from home in recent friendlies, failing to win three of their last four on the road, but they remain one of Africa’s most dangerous sides heading into the tournament. Sunday’s encounter will also mark the first-ever meeting between Senegal and the United States at senior level.
Team News
USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino recently defended his World Cup squad selection after criticism over several high-profile omissions, insisting he has full confidence in the 26 players chosen for the tournament.
Christian Pulisic is expected to spearhead the attack, with Malik Tillman and Timothy Weah likely to support him in advanced areas. Weston McKennie should anchor the midfield alongside Tyler Adams and Sebastian Berhalter, while Brenden Aaronson remains an attacking option from the bench.
For Senegal, Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to miss out due to injury, meaning Moussa Niakhate and Mamadou Sarr are likely to continue in central defence.
Habib Diarra, Pape Matar Sarr and Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara are all expected to feature in midfield, while the front three could include Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr.
Possible Lineups
USA possible starting lineup:
Freese; Freeman, Richards, Trusty, Robinson; McKennie, Berhalter, Adams; Weah, Pulisic, Tillman
Senegal possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Diatta, M Sarr, Niakhate, Jakobs; Diarra, Camara, P Sarr; I Sarr, Jackson, Mane
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 20:30 (WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts USA 2-2 Senegal
With both teams possessing dangerous attacking options, this could prove to be an entertaining contest. The USA will enjoy home support in Charlotte, but Senegal’s physicality and defensive discipline could make life difficult for the hosts.
