Saudi Arabia and Senegal players challenge for the ball during a World Cup warm-up match in Texas. — Action from the international friendly between Saudi Arabia and Senegal in San Antonio, Texas. Photograph: Getty

Senegal Held by Saudi Arabia as Nicolas Jackson Sees Red Before World Cup

Edem Hodasi
June 10, 2026
Sports, Football

Senegal’s final World Cup warm-up ended in frustration as the Lions of Teranga were held to a goalless draw by Saudi Arabia and finished with 10 men after Nicolas Jackson’s late dismissal.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Senegal‘s final match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in a frustrating goalless draw against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday night, with Nicolas Jackson sent off late in a contest that raised as many questions as it answered for coach Pape Thiaw.

The Chelsea forward received a second yellow card in the 84th minute after a challenge on Saudi striker Abdullah Al Hamdan, leaving Senegal to finish the match with 10 men.
Played at Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas, the encounter was the final warm-up fixture for both nations before the World Cup begins across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Saudi Arabia, coached by Giorgos Donis, made a brighter start and threatened Senegal’s goal repeatedly during the opening stages. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was called into action early, producing saves to deny Firas Al-Buraikan and Musab Al-Juwayr as the Saudis looked the more dangerous side.
Senegal struggled to establish attacking rhythm during much of the first half but gradually improved as the match progressed. Their best opportunity before the interval fell to Cherif Ndiaye, whose effort was saved after a rare opening in the Saudi defence.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both coaches making multiple substitutions as they assessed squad options ahead of the tournament. Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Sadio Mané were among the senior players involved as Senegal sought greater control, while Saudi Arabia rotated heavily after the break.

Despite improved possession, clear-cut opportunities remained limited.

Moussa Niakhaté went closest for Senegal when his header was saved by goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, who delivered a composed performance throughout the evening. Saudi Arabia also threatened through Abdullah Al Hamdan, whose late effort drifted wide.
The game’s decisive moment arrived six minutes from time.

Jackson, already booked, was shown a second yellow card after a challenge on Al Hamdan. The dismissal means Senegal will enter the World Cup following a match in which discipline, rather than attacking quality, became the main talking point.
While the result will not affect tournament standings, it halted Senegal’s 11-match scoring run and denied the African side momentum heading into a difficult World Cup campaign.

Senegal open their Group I campaign against France before facing Norway and Iraq. The fixture against France is expected to provide the toughest early test of the Lions of Teranga’s ambitions to equal or surpass their historic run to the quarter-finals in 2002.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, begin their Group H campaign against Uruguay before facing Spain and Cape Verde.

For Senegal, the draw offered evidence of defensive resilience but also highlighted concerns in attack. With the World Cup now days away, Thiaw will hope his side can quickly rediscover the cutting edge that has made them one of Africa’s leading football nations.

Key Match Statistics

Result: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Senegal
Venue: Toyota Field, San Antonio, Texas
Red Card: Nicolas Jackson (84′)
Senegal: Finished with 10 players
Competition: International Friendly
Purpose: Final preparation match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Why This Matters

The match provided the final competitive assessment of Senegal before one of the most challenging World Cup groups in the tournament. While Senegal extended their unbeaten run, the lack of goals and Jackson’s dismissal will concern supporters ahead of the opening match against France. The performance nevertheless demonstrated the defensive organisation that has become a hallmark of Senegal’s recent success under successive coaching regimes.