Story perspectives

U.S. Beats Senegal 3-2, Dest, Pulisic Shine

6/4/2026

Summary

USA Defeats Senegal

United States defeated Senegal 3-2 on May 31, 2026 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte before 57,741 fans.
Sergiño Dest opened scoring in the seventh minute, with Christian Pulisic later netting the winner.
Halftime substitute Folarin Balogun added the United States’ third goal.
The United States will play Germany at Soldier Field on Saturday and open the World Cup against Paraguay on June 12.

Summary

Pochettino Picks Squad

Coach Mauricio Pochettino will use the Germany friendly at Soldier Field as his chance to select the United States (U.S.) World Cup squad.
Pochettino weighs Matt Turner (54 caps), Matt Freese (14 caps) and Chris Brady as goalkeeper.
Haji Wright, absent versus Senegal, competes with Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun for striker.
Auston Trusty replaced Tim Ream, prompting the U.S. to adopt a 3-4-2-1 with Sergi Dest at wing-back while Chris Richards stayed injured.

History

Historical Context

In July 1988 FIFA awarded the United States the 1994 World Cup, the first tournament hosted in the Americas outside Latin America. The June-July 1994 event drew 3,587,538 spectators (average 68,991 per match) and spurred the 1993 launch of MLS, cementing US soccer growth. Coach Mauricio Pochettino now cites that legacy while shaping the squad for the 2026 home World Cup.

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USA Defeats Senegal

United States defeated Senegal 3-2 on May 31, 2026 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte before 57,741 fans.
Sergiño Dest opened scoring in the seventh minute, with Christian Pulisic later netting the winner.
Halftime substitute Folarin Balogun added the United States’ third goal.
The United States will play Germany at Soldier Field on Saturday and open the World Cup against Paraguay on June 12.

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