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USMNT striker Patrick Agyemang to miss World Cup with Achilles injury
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- USMNT striker Patrick Agyemang to miss World Cup with Achilles injury
Derby County has confirmed Patrick Agyemang suffered a "serious" Achilles injury in a game against Stoke City on Monday, April 6.
The injury will see the U.S. men's national team striker miss the World Cup this summer.
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The Championship club's announcement on Tuesday, April 7 was unfortunately not a surprise. The 25-year-old striker went down with a non-contact injury in the first half of Monday's game against Stoke, and was carried off on a stretcher.
There were immediate fears of an Achilles injury, which proved to be accurate.
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Christian Pulisic of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Vitinha of Portugal passes against Alex Freeman of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Timothy Weah of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino greets Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, right, prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal is challenged by Auston Trusty of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Aidan Morris of United States is challenged by Joao Cancelo of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Sebastian Berhalter of United States passes whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Fans of United States cheer prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Players of United States form a huddle prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Players of United States and Belgium line up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Belgium's Jeremy Doku (11) controls the ball against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
USA's Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
USA's Weston McKennie (8) scores a goal against Belgium during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) reacts Wirth teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
USA soccer fans shown during the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium is challenged by Malik Tillman #17 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio (14) scores a goal against the USA during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
A fan of United States with face paint looks on during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
USA's Mark McKenzie (22) and Belgium's Lois Openda (9) fight for the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Jeremy Doku #11 during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Nathan Ngoy #20 of Belgium is challenged by Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium scores his team's fifth goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
1
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
2
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Christian Pulisic of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Vitinha of Portugal passes against Alex Freeman of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Timothy Weah of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
5
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino greets Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, right, prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
6
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal is challenged by Auston Trusty of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Aidan Morris of United States is challenged by Joao Cancelo of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Sebastian Berhalter of United States passes whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
10
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Fans of United States cheer prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
11
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Players of United States form a huddle prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Players of United States and Belgium line up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Jeremy Doku (11) controls the ball against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
15
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Weston McKennie (8) scores a goal against Belgium during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
16
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
17
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) reacts Wirth teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
18
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA soccer fans shown during the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium is challenged by Malik Tillman #17 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
20
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio (14) scores a goal against the USA during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
21
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
22
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
A fan of United States with face paint looks on during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
23
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Mark McKenzie (22) and Belgium's Lois Openda (9) fight for the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
24
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Jeremy Doku #11 during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
25
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Nathan Ngoy #20 of Belgium is challenged by Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium scores his team's fifth goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Agyemang will finish his first season at Derby County with 10 goals, making a major impact after joining in a transfer from Charlotte FC last summer.
The injury likely won't just rule Agyemang out of the World Cup, though Derby did not specify the severity of the injury or a timeframe for a return.
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"Patrick will be undergoing a further assessment of the injury later today," Derby said on Tuesday.
The Championship club added: "At this stage it would be wrong to put a timeline on his recovery."
Agyemang broke into the USMNT picture last year, making his first 12 appearances at the international level while scoring five goals.
After missing out on USMNT rosters in the fall, Agyemang was recalled in March and played in both matches against Belgium and Portugal . The striker scored a late consolation in the USMNT's 5-2 defeat against Belgium .
Agyemang's injury will boost the World Cup roster chances of Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright. Josh Sargent, who has been out of the picture since September, could also have a potential route back into the team.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Agyemang injury forces USMNT striker out of 2026 World Cup
