World Cup Dream in Jeopardy as USMNT Star Gets Stretchered Off the Field

USMNT forward Patrick Agyemang was injured on Monday during Derby County's fixture against Stoke City, being carried off the pitch on a stretcher late in the opening half.

Agyemang attempted a chest trap before coming down awkwardly, sustaining an injury to his lower left leg—possibly his ankle or Achilles tendon.

With the World Cup set to begin in under 10 weeks, this could prove to be a crushing setback for both Agyemang and the USMNT.

The 25-year-old forward, who earned his first cap for the U.S. national team in January 2025, logged significant playing time during the Stars and Stripes' March international window. He entered as a substitute in the 71st minute against Belgium on March 28 and left an immediate mark, netting a consolation goal just 15 minutes after coming on to reduce the damage in a 5–2 defeat. Agyemang then featured in the second half of the U.S.'s loss to Portugal on Tuesday, replacing a recently underwhelming Christian Pulisic.

Despite facing stiff competition from the likes of Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and Ricardo Pepi for a forward role in manager Mauricio Pochettino's final World Cup squad, Agyemang has demonstrated his value, particularly through his recent performances at the club level in England.

Agyemang has contributed 10 goals and three assists across 32 starts for Derby County in the Championship, having departed MLS for the East Midlands last July in a club-record transfer from Charlotte FC.