The U.S. men's national team is set to face Senegal in a friendly in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of its final preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
A Test of Fitness and Experimentation
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino wants to keep his 25 available players fit while managing game time, using the match to experiment with tactics and avoid injuries before the tournament.
Chris Richards is the only absentee, sidelined by an ankle injury, while Christian Pulisic looks to snap a goal drought and Ricardo Pepi pushes for a starting spot.
Senegal will field stars such as Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson, offering a stern test for the American side, and goalkeeper Matt Turner hopes to reclaim his starting role.
The fixture also serves as a send‑off friendly against Germany before the USMNT opens its World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12, a match that will determine the team's final lineup.
Beyond the immediate contest, the preparations reflect a broader strategy of blending experience with emerging talent, aiming to arrive in Qatar with a cohesive unit ready to compete on the world stage.