USMNT Opponent Profile: Senegal
U.S. Men’s National Team faces 14th-ranked Senegal in Allstate Continental Clásico on May 31 in Charlotte, N.C. in penultimate match ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
The U.S. Men’s National Team is set to face Senegal on Sunday, May 31 in the first of its two final matches before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here’s everything you need to know about Les Lions de la Teranga before they take on the USA:
When is the USMNT vs. Senegal match?
The USA hosts Senegal in the Allstate Continental Clásico at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Sunday, May 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcast on TNT, TruTV, Telemundo, Universo, HBO Max and Peacock.
What is the all-time history between the USMNT and Senegal?
Senegal and the United States have never faced each other in international competition. Both teams reached the quarterfinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the Round of 16 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The non-official match in May will be the first time the teams play against each other.
What is Senegal’s world ranking?
Senegal is currently ranked 14th in the Coca-Cola FIFA Men’s World Rankings. Senegal is the second-highest ranked African nation behind eighth-ranked Morocco. The USA is ranked 16th.
What is Senegal’s recent form?
Senegal holds an overall record of 13W-2L-2D since the start of 2025. The team went unbeaten in CAF World Cup Qualifying, amassing seven wins while allowing just three goals through 10 matches to finish atop Group B. Senegal was drawn into World Cup Group I with France, Norway and Iraq.
The Teranga Lions began 2026 by reaching the Africa Cup of Nations Final against Morocco, a match that originally finished 1-0 for Senegal after extra time. However, the CAF Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match for temporarily refusing to play and leaving the pitch in protest of a refereeing decision. The final was awarded as a 3-0 win for Morocco, thereby retroactively declaring them champions and stripping Senegal of the title. Senegal’s most recent matches were during the March FIFA window – a 2-0 win over Peru and a 3-1 win over Gambia.
Who is Senegal’s head coach?
Former Senegalese forward Pape Thiaw was appointed head coach in December 2024 and led the team through World Cup qualifying and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Thiaw played for multiple clubs across Europe from 1998-2009 while also competing internationally with Senegal. He was a part of the 2002 World Cup squad and finished his international career with five goals in 16 caps.
Who are key Senegal players to watch?
Sadio Mané is the top scorer and second-most capped player in Senegal’s history with 53 goals and 126 appearances since his debut in 2012. The winger was named African Player of the Year in 2019 and 2022 and finished second in the 2022 Ballon d’Or behind French striker Karim Benzema. He competed in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the last six editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. He has recorded six goals and six assists in 24 appearances this season for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
Other star Senegalese players include winger Ismaila Sarr, who plays for Crystal Palace with USMNT defender Chris Richards, and midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who competes for Everton. Sarr played in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and has scored 17 goals in all competitions for Crystal Palace since 2024. Gueye is Senegal’s all-time caps leader with 131 appearances since 2011. Senegal's captain and center back Kalidou Koulibaly remains in question for the friendly and the 2026 World Cup after being sidelined with a thigh injury since early April.