Why USMNT fans cannot underestimate Senegal ahead of first pre-World Cup friendly

If U.S. Soccer are only good at one thing, it is organising high-quality friendlies. Since the World Cup in Qatar, during a cycle in which the USMNT have not had qualifying, they've faced Germany, Ghana, Colombia, Brazil, Türkiye, Switzerland, Korea Republic, Japan, Ecuador, Uruguay and most-recently Belgium and Portugal in high-profile opponents, among others.

Well, this trend will continue in the two warm-up games immediately prior to the World Cup. Next weekend, after a 3-1 defeat in Connecticut in October 2023, the Stars and Stripes will have a rematch against Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Before then, Mauricio Pochettino's team will also face a tough examination when they take on Senegal at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday.

Given that the Lions of Téranga are not a European or South American juggernaut, some U.S. fans may underestimate them, but here are three reasons why Senegal must be taken seriously.

Senegal's recent Africa Cup of Nations record

Across the last four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, dating back to the summer of 2019, no team boasts a better record than Senegal.

• 2019: Finalists - Senegal 0-1 Algeria; Cairo International Stadium, Cairo.

• 2022: Winners - Senegal 0-0 Egypt (4-2 on penalties); Stade d'Olembé, Yaoundé.

• 2024: Last 16 - Senegal 1-1 Côte d'Ivoire (4-5 on penalties); Stade Charles Konan Banny, Yamoussoukro.

• 2026: Winners* - Morocco 0-1 Senegal; Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabāṭ.

Senegal have reached three of the last four Cup of Nations finals, the sole exception coming in 2024 when they were dumped out by hosts and eventual champions Côte d'Ivoire. In fact, across the last editions, they've either picked up the trophy or been ousted by the winners in a shootout.

Back in 2022, the Lions of Téranga were crowned African champions for the very first time, overcoming Egypt on penalties in Yaoundé. Earlier this year, they hoisted the trophy aloft again in Rabāṭ, with Pape Gueye the only scorer in extra time against hosts Morocco. However, that is not what this final is remembered for. In protest against two controversial decisions by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, the team left the pitch for over 20 minutes. Over a month later, CAF declared Morocco as champions, a decision currently being disputed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Irrespective of that outcome, Senegal are one of the strongest non-European or South American teams at the World Cup, so are targeting a deep run. On debut in 2002, they beat holders France in the tournament opener in Seoul en route to the quarter-finals, hoping for something similar.

Recent friendly results

Away from AFCON, Pape Thiaw's team also claimed a famous friendly win 12 months ago. Last summer, goals from Ismaïla Sarr, Habib Diarra and then Cheikh Sabaly in stoppage time saw them secure a 3-1 victory in Nottingham, becoming the first-ever African nation to beat England. A few months later, Senegal were beaten 2-0 by Brazil in North London, competitive throughout as the Seleção were clinical in front of goal. This was followed by a 2-0 victory over Peru in Paris earlier this year, while they did beat Brazil in Lisbon in June 2023, so are seeking another notable scalp.

This will be Senegal's first meeting with a CONCACAF member since a 1-0 defeat against Mexico in March 2010 at the Azteca, but they have certainly improved in the decade and a half since.

High-quality players

There are plenty of household names in this Senegal squad; their full roster can be found below. Now 34 years old, Sadio Mané remains their talisman. He has 52 international goals to his name, on target against 30 different opponents, hoping to add USA to this list. Even if Ismaïla Sarr is not available after featuring in the UEFA Conference League final, a front three of Mané, Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson is pretty frightening.

Idrissa Gana Gueye alongside Pape Matar Sarr form a solid midfield base, with either Habib Diarra or highly-rated youngster Lamine Camara further forward. Star centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly has over 100 caps to his name, while few goalkeepers are more reliable than Édouard Mendy. Thus, on paper, one could certainly argue Senegal boast a better team than the United States, meaning a win for the World Cup co-hosts in North Carolina will have to be hard-earned.

Confirmed Senegal World Cup 2026 squad

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

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