Pulisic scores and assists as USA beat Senegal 3-2 in World Cup warm-up

The United States beat Senegal 3-2 in a World Cup warm-up friendly on Sunday, with Christian Pulisic delivering his most influential national-team performance in months and Folarin Balogun scoring the second-half winner after the visitors twice drew level.

Sergiño Dest opened the scoring after just seven minutes, converting a Pulisic cross, before the AC Milan winger doubled the lead in the 20th minute by finishing calmly from a tight angle after rounding the goalkeeper. It was Pulisic’s first goal in any competition since December and his first for the United States since November 2024.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino was encouraged by what he saw from his captain in the opening half. “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 refused to fold. Captain Sadio Mane pulled one back just before halftime, finishing sharply after Habib Diarra’s through ball split the American defence on the counter. Mane struck again in the 52nd minute to level the scores, capitalising on a defensive error that gave the USA genuine cause for concern.

Balogun had an early second-half effort ruled out for offside, but the AS Monaco striker made amends shortly after the hour mark, meeting Tim Weah’s cross to restore the lead and seal the result.

Pochettino acknowledged his side are still finding their rhythm ahead of the tournament. “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,” he said.

The USA, who co-host the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, have one further warm-up fixture against Germany on Saturday before opening their Group D campaign against Paraguay on 12 June. They will subsequently face Australia and Turkey as they look to reach the knockout rounds on home soil.

Senegal begin their tournament in Group I against France on 16 June, followed by matches against Iraq and Norway.