The United States secured an encouraging 3-2 victory over Senegal in a World Cup warm-up friendly on Sunday, with Christian Pulisic delivering a standout performance, scoring once and assisting another, before Folarin Balogun netted the decisive second-half winner.
First-Half Dominance
Sergino Dest opened the scoring for the hosts just seven minutes in, converting a cross from Pulisic. Pulisic then extended the lead in the 20th minute, demonstrating composure to finish from a tight angle after skillfully navigating past the goalkeeper. This marked Pulisic's first goal across all competitions since December and his first for the national team since November 2024. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino lauded the AC Milan winger's first-half display. "I think now we need to try to extend until 90 minutes. Happy for him also because after the long time, or few months, he scored again and this is important for our players," Pochettino told reporters.
Senegal Fights Back
Senegal, however, pulled one back just before halftime when captain Sadio Mane capitalized on a swift counter-attack, finishing expertly after Habib Diarra's through ball dissected the American defense. Folarin Balogun saw an early second-half effort disallowed for offside, and moments later, Mane struck again, leveling the score in the 52nd minute after a defensive miscue.
Balogun Seals the Win
Yet, the AS Monaco striker redeemed himself just past the hour mark, confidently meeting Tim Weah's cross to restore the lead and secure the win for Pochettino's squad. The US, who are set to co-host the upcoming World Cup with Canada and Mexico, have one final warm-up fixture against Germany on Saturday before commencing their Group D campaign against Paraguay on June 12. Pochettino’s side will then go on to face Australia and Turkey in their group as they aim to qualify for the knockout rounds on home soil.
"It's true that today is not an official game and doesn't count (for) points but it's important to get good feelings. We are still a little bit short in our preparation but I think we are going in a good direction," Pochettino commented. Senegal will kick off their Group I matches against France on June 16, followed by encounters with Iraq and Norway.
