A goal 10 minutes before half-time from 17-year-old Josh Sargent settled the match in favour of the Americans, while Senegal could only create half-chances despite having more of the ball.

The win moves the USA to the top of the pool with four points, one ahead of Senegal and Saudi Arabia, who have three each. Ecuador are bottom with a single point.

The final matches in the pool will be played on Sunday when Senegal take on Ecuador and the USA face-off against the Saudis.

A point may be enough for the African side to either finish in the top two, or as one of the best third-place finishers.

After a lively opening, the USA hit the front with a fine individual effort from Sargent. Tyler Adams provided back-heeled pass to set Luca De La Torre free and he laid on the pass for Sargent to finish on the turn.

Senegal were finding plenty of joy on the flanks, but were unable to create clear-cut chances and it was Adams who spurned the next opportunity after he had been set up by Sargent.

The African side piled on the pressure in the closing stages, but aside from a headed chance that went into the side-netting, the USA defence allowed them little opportunity and held on for the win.