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The United States men’s national team has a good chance to go as far as ever in the World Cup, but it will have to do so without one of its best young stars.
Forward Patrick Agyemang, who has six goals in 14 appearances for the USMNT, ruptured his Achilles tendon on Monday and was ruled out of the tournament.
Agyemang was carried off on a stretcher while playing for Derby in England’s second division, one level below the Premier League. He was visibly emotional as he was led away with his right leg tied.
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Derby County’s Patrick Agyemang holds his head in his hands after being injured during the Sky Bet Championship match at Pride Park, Derby on April 6, 2026. (Mike Egerton/PA Images)
The 25-year-old first represented the Stars and Stripes last year during training camp and friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica, scoring in both competitions. He was part of the CONCACAF team for the Gold Cup last summer, where the United States lost in the final to Mexico.
Agyemang most recently played for the United States last week against Belgium and Portugal, scoring against the former on March 28.
The U.S. team, one of three host nations, drew a favorable group in December, with Paraguay, Australia and one or other of the four teams in UEFA’s Path C, which includes Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo and Romania, standing in its way ahead of the knockout stage. The United States is the highest-ranked team in the group.
Derby County’s Patrick Agyemang breaks down during the Sky Bet Championship match against Stoke City at the Pride Park Stadium in Derby, United Kingdom on April 6, 2026. (Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto)
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The USMNT hasn’t had much success in the World Cup. The team reached the round of 16 in 2010 and 2014, but failed to qualify for the tournament in 2018. They returned to the round of 16 four years ago but were unable to advance out of the group stage of the Copa América at home last year.
After finishing in third place at the first World Cup in 1930, the furthest they have reached since then is the 2002 quarter-finals.
Eleven of the 16 host stadiums are in the United States, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Derby County’s Patrick Agyemang is stretchered off after sustaining an injury during the Sky Bet Championship match against Stoke City at the Pride Park Stadium in Derby, United Kingdom on April 6, 2026. (Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto)
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The United States will open the tournament on June 12 Los Angeles against Paraguay on FOX.
