The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) is set to play a high-profile international friendly against Senegal on May 31 in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking one of its final preparation matches ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The matchup was finalized only after the official World Cup draw confirmed that both teams landed in separate groups, clearing the way for the international showdown.
This friendly adds another elite opponent to an already demanding World Cup tune-up schedule for the United States.
USMNT vs Senegal: A First-Ever Meeting
The May 31 match will mark the first time in history that the United States has faced Senegal. The African powerhouse is currently ranked No. 19 in the FIFA World Rankings, making it one of the strongest teams the U.S. will face before the tournament.
Known as the Lions of Teranga, Senegal is the second-highest ranked team in Africa, trailing only Morocco. The team brings extensive international experience, with many players competing in Europe’s top five leagues.
Senegal’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
Senegal is preparing for its third consecutive World Cup appearance, following:
- Group-stage exit in 2018
- Round of 16 finish in 2022
During 2026 World Cup qualifying, Senegal posted a dominant 7-0-3 record with a 22-3 goal differential, showcasing a powerful defense and explosive attack.
Why the Match Could Only Be Finalized After the World Cup Draw
U.S. Soccer waited to confirm the Senegal match until after the World Cup draw in Washington, ensuring the Americans would not face a team from their own group.
- United States was drawn into Group D, alongside Australia.
- Senegal landed in Group I with:
- France
- Norway
- One playoff winner (Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname)
Because of the group separation, the two teams now have only a small chance of meeting in the Round of 32 during the tournament.
Part of a Brutal Pre-World Cup Schedule for the USMNT
The Senegal friendly continues an intense run of matches against top international competition. The U.S. will play 11 straight matches against World Cup-qualified teams from five different confederations, including:
- Mexico
- South Korea
- Japan
- Ecuador
- Australia
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
- Belgium
- Portugal
- Senegal
- Germany
Previously announced tune-up matches include:
- Belgium – March 25
- Portugal – March 28 (Atlanta)
- Germany – June 6 (Chicago)
All three of those teams were drawn from Pot 1, making group matchups impossible.
Rare Matchup Against African Opposition
Matches between the USMNT and African nations remain rare:
- Only 19 total matches in 112 years
- Against just eight of Africa’s 54 countries
- Most frequent opponents:
- Ghana (5 matches)
- Morocco (4 matches)
The most recent African opponent was a 4-0 U.S. win over Ghana in an October 2023 friendly in Nashville.
What This Match Means for the USMNT
Facing Senegal provides the U.S. with:
- A test against a fast, physical, high-pressing African side
- Experience against top-tier international talent
- A crucial measuring stick just weeks before the World Cup begins
With depth, speed, and tournament experience on both rosters, the Charlotte friendly is shaping up as one of the most important USMNT matches of 2026 outside of the World Cup itself.