The USMNT begin their final preparations for the 2026 World Cup when they meet Senegal in Charlotte for a friendly on Sunday night.
USA vs. Senegal Friendly Match betting picks and predictions
Senegal to win (+170)
The build up to the USMNT’s opening friendly has been far from ideal, with manager Mauricio Pochettino causing a storm with his squad announcement, while also being linked to the vacant AC Milan job.
Pochettino’s decision not to call the players that failed to make the squad came in for criticism, as did his defence of the decision.
Morale was already low around the camp, following a 5-2 loss to Belgium and a 2-0 defeat to Portugal in the March window. Those two results came as Pochettino tinkered with lineups and systems, but it wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement of their readiness for a home World Cup.
Opponents Senegal will prove to be stern opposition. They won seven of 10 games in qualifying, drawing three, while they also made the final of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
The game was ultimately awarded as a 3-0 win for Morocco by CAF following Senegal’s protesting of a late penalty for the host nation. However, they have only suffered two defeats on the pitch in the 42 games they have played since their elimination at the 2022 World Cup.
Senegal followed AFCON with victories over Peru and Gambia in March, and have won 12 of their last 15 games, excluding that walkover against Morocco.
Ismaila Sarr to score anytime (+333)
Ismaila Sarr only contributed one assist to Senegal’s AFCON run, but the Crystal Palace winger enjoyed an impressive end to the season.
Sarr scored seven times as the Eagles went all the way in the Conference League, with the bulk of those goals coming in the knockout rounds.
Sarr scored four goals across his final six starts of the season for Palace. He finished the campaign with 18 goals across all competitions, while only Sadio Mane can top his 19 international goals among the current Senegal squad.
Sarr scored the latest of those goals in a victory over Peru in March, and the threat he offers out wide should trouble this US side. With the hosts conceding seven goals across their two defeats this year, Sarr stands out in the anytime goalscorer betting at +333.
Sarr to score anytime also appeals paired with Senegal to win the game, which is available at +600.
Senegal to win 2-1 (+1000)
Senegal have an impressive front three, with Sarr and Mane offering a fine complement to Bayern Munich’s Nicolas Jackson. Their midfield trio also offers support, and the Senegalese have scored at least twice on six occasions since November 2025.
Given how the US struggled to contain Belgium and Portugal earlier this year, their defensive concerns should swing this towards Senegal. The USMNT have conceded in 12 of their last 13 fixtures, and this is one of the strongest forward lines they have met over the course of that run.
USMNT had scored in six straight games ahead of their 2-0 loss to Portugal in the spring, and they posted some solid attacking numbers despite that blank. They won the shot count 12-11, had three efforts on target, and had more touches in the opposition box.
Pochettino’s side should still be able to get on the scoresheet, particularly as Senegal have conceded in four of their last six international friendly matches. As a result, a 2-1 victory for Senegal is my correct score selection, which is available at +1000.
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USA vs. Senegal Friendly Match odds
USA | +155 |
Tie | +220 |
Senegal | +170 |
USA vs. Senegal Friendly Match player props
Anytime goalscorer
Christian Pulisic (USA) | +250 |
Folarin Balogun (USA) | +250 |
Haji Wright (USA) | +250 |
Nicolas Jackson (Senegal) | +240 |
Sadio Mane (Senegal) | +240 |
Ahmadou Dieng (Senegal) | +250 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
