USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino

(Atlanta = Won Jeong) The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) has confirmed its final high-caliber opponent ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: African powerhouse Senegal. This historic first-ever meeting will take place as the Allstate Continental Clásico on Saturday, May 31, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The match against Senegal completes a rigorous four-game pre-World Cup schedule, all against qualified teams. The USMNT will also face Belgium and Portugal in March (both in Atlanta) and Germany in June (the Coca-Cola Send-Off Match in Chicago). Coach Mauricio Pochettino stated, “Playing teams from at least five different confederations is incredibly valuable for our preparations,” as the team gears up for the tournament.

Ranked 19th globally, Senegal is led by former African Footballer of the Year Sadio Mané, the country’s all-time top scorer. The team famously reached the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals and secured its first international trophy by winning the 2021 African Cup of Nations. Senegal is set for its third consecutive World Cup appearance in 2026.

The USMNT, which is grouped with Paraguay and Australia in World Cup Group D, begins its tournament campaign on June 12 against Paraguay in Los Angeles. The match in Charlotte is only the second time the USMNT has played at Bank of America Stadium. Tickets are currently on sale, and the game will be broadcast live on TBS, HBO Max, and Telemundo, among other platforms.