As the FIFA World Cup draws near, the United States clinched a narrow 3-2 victory against Senegal in their second-to-last warm-up match, providing a crucial boost of confidence for Mauricio Pochettino's squad ahead of their tournament opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The match showcased a mix of attacking potential and resilience, highlighted by Christian Pulisic's return to scoring form. The AC Milan forward ended a scoring drought that had lasted since December 2025 at the club level and November 2024 for the national team. Senegal's captain, Sadio Mané, also found the back of the net, marking his first international goal since the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against Egypt in January 2026.

Looking Ahead

With a final warm-up match against Germany scheduled for June 6 in Chicago, Pochettino has both positives and areas of concern to address following the encounter. The performance against Senegal, while not flawless, offered valuable insights into the team's readiness for the World Cup.

Player Ratings

GK Matt Turner – 6.5/10: Turner faced little chance with either goal conceded but made several key interventions to maintain the lead. His distribution was generally reliable, though some shaky moments in playing out from the back highlighted a need for improvement.

CB Tim Ream – 6/10: The experienced defender provided his usual composure and leadership, although Senegal's speed occasionally exposed his limitations. Ream remains a crucial organizer but was challenged at times.

CB Mark McKenzie – 6.5/10: McKenzie delivered a determined performance, winning key aerial duels and showing aggression in midfield. However, he was partially responsible for Senegal's second goal after losing his marker during a transition.

CB Alex Freeman – 7/10: Freeman's performance was one of the evening's highlights, displaying maturity and making timely interceptions while also contributing offensively.

RM Tyler Adams – 8/10: Adams was the team's driving force, covering significant ground and disrupting Senegal's play. His leadership shone through, particularly during challenging moments in the second half.

LM Sebastian Berhalter – 7.5/10: Berhalter's exceptional work rate and effective delivery from wide areas created multiple scoring opportunities, proving valuable in both attack and defense.

RWB Sergiño Dest – 8/10: Dest's dynamic presence on the field was evident as he contributed significantly to the team's performance.

Overall, the match against Senegal provided the United States with important lessons and momentum as they prepare for the World Cup.