US Men's National Team Edges Senegal in World Cup 2026 Warm‑up

The United States hosted Senegal at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City on a breezy June evening, the kind of setting that feels just right for a final tune‑up before the big stage in 2026.

From the first whistle, the game had a lively rhythm. The US pressed high, trying to make life uncomfortable for the Senegalese back line. A couple of early chances went wide, but the crowd’s energy never wavered.

Then, at the 23‑minute mark, Giovanni Reyna slipped a clever pass to Christian Pulisic, who slotted it low into the bottom corner. The stadium erupted. It was a classic strike—quick, composed, and unmistakably USMNT.

Senegal, however, were not there just for a friendly stroll. Sadio Mané, ever the opportunist, found a pocket of space on the right and curled a shot past Matt Turner in the 37th minute, leveling the score. The goal was a reminder that this wasn’t a walk‑over.

The first half ended 1‑1, and both coaches used the break to shuffle a few players. The US brought on Paul Arriola for a bit of fresh legs, while Senegal introduced an extra midfielder to tighten up the middle.

In the second half, the US looked a little sharper, perhaps buoyed by the home crowd. At 68 minutes, Pulisic, who had already made an impact, rose to meet a lofted cross from Tim Weah and headed the ball into the net. The ball hit the post, ricocheted, and went in. The stadium went wild again.

Senegal tried to claw back, pushing higher up the pitch, but the US defense held firm. A late tackle from Tyler Hunt on a Senegal forward earned a yellow card, adding a touch of drama in the closing minutes.

The final whistle blew: United States 2, Senegal 1. Post‑match, coach Gregg Berhalter praised his squad’s resilience and noted the importance of “getting the little things right” before heading to Mexico for the 2026 qualifiers.

Senegal’s coach Aliou Cissé, on the other hand, highlighted the positives – “We saw moments of quality, especially from Mané, and we’ll take this experience forward.” Both sides left the field with a smile, knowing the real work begins soon.