USA vs Senegal 31 May 2026 Prediction

The United States will begin the final stage of its preparation for the home World Cup with a friendly against one of Africa’s most successful teams in recent years. However, it is worth noting that the Stars and Stripes have won each of their last five matches against African opponents.

Squad Losses Matter

Mauricio Pochettino has called up almost all of the strongest American players for the upcoming tournament. The only notable omission is Yunus Musah, who barely played for Atalanta late in the season. The only serious loss is Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who will miss the home World Cup because of a major injury. The host team’s defense, which already lacks depth, now looks even more vulnerable. Even Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest, who has returned from injury, are more focused on creating chances in the final third than on shutting down the opponent’s attack.

The U.S. has already played without Cardoso this year, and the results were not encouraging. In friendlies against Belgium and Portugal two months ago, the Atletico midfielder played only one half in total, and that half ended level. The Stars and Stripes ultimately suffered two painful defeats by a combined score of 7-2.

Senegal’s Defense Remains Reliable Even Without Its Captain

Experienced local specialist Aliou Cisse restored Senegal’s status as one of Africa’s strongest teams, and another member of the country’s legendary 2002 squad, Pape Thiaw, has continued that work well. Senegal is not considered the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champion only because of a controversial CAF decision issued two months after its final win over Morocco. Another notable point: in only one of the last 10 calendar years has Senegal finished with more than two defeats.

The main issue for Senegal against the United States could have been the absence of Napoli legend Kalidou Koulibaly due to injury. The captain and defensive leader is expected to recover in time for the World Cup, but he will not help the team in the upcoming friendlies. Even without him, Senegal has allowed only one goal across its last three matches.

USA vs Senegal Predicted Lineup

USA (4-2-3-1): Turner – Dest, Richards, Trusty, A. Robinson – McKennie, Adams – Pulisic, Aaronson, Tillman – Balogun

Will not play: Carter-Vickers, Sands, Tessmann, Cardoso, Cremaschi, Agyemang (all injury), Musah (out of the squad)

Manager: Mauricio Pochettino

Senegal (4-3-3): E. Mendy – A. Mendy, Niakate, M. Sarr, Diouf – P. Sarr, I. Gueye, P. Gueye – Diao, Jackson, Mane

Will not play: Koulibaly (injury)

Manager: Pape Thiaw

What to Know

• Senegal is unbeaten in 18 straight matches against national teams ranked below it in the FIFA rankings.
• The United States has allowed exactly one first-half goal in six straight matches.
• No penalties have been awarded against the U.S. during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure.

USA vs Senegal Prediction: Senegal to Win at 2.75

• Main prediction: The bookmakers make the United States the favorite because of home-field advantage, but that factor did not help in the previous two friendlies. We also lean toward the strongest African team, at least based on current on-field level. Pape Thiaw’s side is unbeaten in 10 matches across all competitions, winning eight of them. It is also worth noting the poor recent form of the U.S. team’s main stars, Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic, who both ended the Serie A season poorly with their clubs. A safer option is Senegal not to lose at 1.61. Our main pick, however, is a straight Senegal win at 2.75. The 1-2 correct score at 11.00 is also worth considering.
• Goals prediction: Still, Senegal has kept a clean sheet in only one of its last four matches against non-African opponents. The United States, meanwhile, has scored in six of its last seven friendlies. As an additional betting option, both teams to score — yes at 1.92 looks reasonable.