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USMNT vs Senegal Lineups, Injuries, Score, Predictions and Head-to-Head Stats

Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF

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USMNT vs Senegal Lineups, Injuries, Score, Predictions and Head-to-Head Stats

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Pragjyoti Singh | Last updated May 31, 2026 10:53 AM ET

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The United States men's national team will face Senegal on May 31 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte in one of their final matches before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For Mauricio Pochettino and his players, this match is an important test before the World Cup. With the tournament being held at home, the team will aim to build confidence and improve its form.

The United States enters the tournament carrying major expectations. As one of the host nations, the USMNT will be expected to make a deep run and show progress from previous World Cup campaigns.

Pochettino was hired to take the team to another level, and the pressure around the squad has increased as the tournament approaches. Recent results have only added to the scrutiny.

The Americans are coming off back-to-back defeats against Belgium and Portugal during the March international window.

They conceded seven goals across those two matches and looked vulnerable defensively at times. While both opponents are among the strongest teams in the world, the losses raised questions about the team's balance and consistency heading into the biggest tournament in its history.

The USMNT has been drawn into Group D of the 2026 World Cup alongside Paraguay, Australia and Turkey.

The USMNT before the international friendly match against Paraguay Men's national team and on November 15th, 2025.Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Senegal arrives in North Carolina with its own ambitions. The Lions of Teranga remain one of Africa's strongest national teams and will be aiming to make a statement at the World Cup.

However, Senegal's year has not been without controversy. They initially won the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, but the result was later overturned following a legal challenge.

Despite the off-field discussions, Senegal has continued to perform well. The team has been difficult to break down defensively and still possesses plenty of attacking quality through players such as Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson and Ismaïla Sarr.

At the World Cup, Senegal has been placed in Group I alongside France, Norway and Iraq. It is one of the more challenging groups in the competition, with France expected to be the favorite.

USMNT vs Senegal Expected Lineups and Injuries

USMNT: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Trusty, Robinson; McKennie, Berhalter, Adams; Weah, Pulisic, Tillman

Senegal: Mendy; Diatta, M Sarr, Niakhate, Jakobs; Diarra, Camara, P Sarr; I Sarr, Jackson, Mane

Chris Richards is unavailable for the United States due to an ankle injury, while Senegal could also be without Kalidou Koulibaly.

USMNT vs Senegal Score and Prediction

This will be the first meeting between the two countries, and it comes at an interesting time for both sides.

The United States needs a positive result after consecutive defeats, while Senegal enters the match with strong recent form and confidence.

Senegal players pose for a group photo before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match against Morocco.Photo by Franck FIFE / AFP via Getty Images

The Americans should benefit from home support, but Senegal's defensive organization and attacking experience could make the difference.

Prediction: USMNT 1-1 Senegal.