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The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) may or may not lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy this summer, but their thrilling 3-2 triumph over African giants Senegal at the Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC, on Sunday has certainly lifted spirits and confidence ahead of the tournament.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino had plenty of positives to take from the friendly, which was the first of two warm-up matches before their World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12. “Many positive things,” Pochettino said after the game. “There are also things we need to improve, obvious things that need attention. But I’m happy with how we finished the first week of training and competing against a strong side like Senegal. It's important to get good feelings. We’re still a bit short in preparation, but I think we’re heading in the right direction.”

However, the US did show some weaknesses. Defensive lapses allowed Senegal legend Sadio Mané to score just before halftime, and further errors in the second half gifted the former Liverpool FC star his second goal, enabling the Teranga Lions to draw level.

“In the way we conceded the goals, we clearly need to improve and avoid giving opponents such chances,” Pochettino admitted. “But overall, I believe it was a positive day.”

Individually, there was redemption for several players. Christian Pulisic ended his scoring drought dating back to November 2024 by netting the USMNT’s second goal, while Ricardo Pepi made the most of his rare start by setting up both of the team’s first two strikes.

“It’s great to score again. Hopefully, people can stop talking about it,” Pulisic said in a post-match interview with TNT. “I feel great, and I’m really proud of how the guys performed today. It felt amazing, especially with this crowd behind us. Senegal are a really good team, but I thought we brought so much energy from the start — the pressing, the chances we created — we could have had even more. I’m really happy with this performance.”

Pepi’s display gave Pochettino much to consider regarding the No. 9 position. While Folarin Balogun has long been viewed as the primary choice, Pepi impressed with his pressing and hold-up play, looking every bit a complete striker. Balogun, however, came off the bench to score the match-winning goal, suggesting a healthy competition for the starting role.

“It’s healthy competition. We both want to play, but ultimately, the team comes first,” Pepi told Telemundo in Spanish after the match. “We have to push each other to improve. Winning this first match before the World Cup is important for everyone’s confidence, but now the focus shifts to what’s next.”

This win also helped erase memories of their disappointing March defeats to Belgium and Portugal, which had raised doubts about the team’s ability to compete with football’s elite.

“Senegal is a good team, and first of all, we showed that we can score goals,” said Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, who partnered Tyler Adams effectively in central midfield and led the team in both tackles and fouls. “We’re disappointed to have conceded two goals, and maybe we could have scored more, but it was a great test and a chance to show that we can do it. Those last two friendlies are behind us, and now we’re ready to move forward.”

Next weekend, the USMNT will face Germany at Soldier Field, home of Chicago Fire FC, in their final warm-up match. While tougher challenges await, Sunday’s win could prove crucial in rallying fans and building the home support essential for a deep World Cup run in July.

“With that attitude and commitment, we have the talent — players with enormous ability,” Pochettino remarked. “But what’s also important is for the fans to truly believe in us. The good feelings from this victory are vital not just for us but also for the environment around the team. After the last two games against Belgium and Portugal, fans were understandably up and down. It’s about finding balance and entering the World Cup with the right mindset and energy.”