Saudi Arabia vs Senegal

Saudi Arabia and Senegal shared a goalless draw at Toyota Field in San Antonio on June 9, a match better remembered for a red card than any near-miss. Nicolas Jackson's dismissal in the 84th minute proved the defining moment of an otherwise controlled pre-tournament outing. Chances came at both ends. Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat threatened with a close-range header for the hosts around the half-hour mark, while Krépin Diatta and Cherif Ndiaye both tested goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais without reward. Moussa Niakhaté's 73rd-minute header was also saved. Jackson then collected his second yellow card for a foul on Abdullah Al Hamddan, leaving Senegal with ten men for the final stages. Both sides rotated heavily, Saudi Arabia made five changes at halftime, reflecting a clear priority of arriving at the World Cup fresh and uninjured. Saudi Arabia open Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, while Senegal face France, Norway, and Iraq in Group I from June 16.