With just under two weeks to go before the start of the home World Cup, the U.S. national team celebrated its first win of 2026, gaining a bit of momentum in the process.
The co-hosts won a game against Senegal that was wild at times, 3-2 (2-1), in Charlotte, North Carolina; ahead of the World Cup, only the dress rehearsal against Germany remains: The DFB team will be visiting Chicago this coming Saturday.
“In my opinion, the positive atmosphere following this victory is more important for the broader community than it is for us,” said coach Mauricio Pochettino, who recently called up several players familiar from the Bundesliga for the tournament. He is now looking forward to facing “another great national team like Germany.”
“Hopefully people will stop talking about it now”
Sergino Dest (7th) and former Dortmund player Christian Pulisic (20th) had given the U.S. a 2-0 lead quite early on at Bank of America Stadium. “It’s just great to score a goal again. Hopefully people will finally stop talking about it now. I feel great,” said Pulisic, who ended his five-month goal drought with the U.S. team and AC Milan.
Sadio Mané struck twice for Senegal: The former Bayern star scored shortly before and shortly after halftime (44th/52nd). Folarin Balogun (63′) secured the victory for the U.S. shortly thereafter; the team had previously suffered defeats against Belgium (2-5) and Portugal (0-2) in this World Cup year.
In the final tournament in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada (June 11 to July 19), the co-hosts will face Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey in Group D. Senegal will take on France, Iraq, and Norway in Group I.
