USMNT's Patrick Agyemang's World Cup hopes clouded after stretcher exit

Agyemang is among the main contenders to be the USMNT's striker for the upcoming tournament.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:26pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting in red, white, and blue hues depicting the collapse and injury of a soccer player, conveying the uncertainty surrounding the USMNT's striker options for the upcoming World Cup.A fractured, geometric depiction of a soccer player's injury highlights the uncertainty surrounding the USMNT's striker depth ahead of the World Cup.Charlotte Today

U.S. striker Patrick Agyemang's World Cup hopes were in doubt after he was carried off on a stretcher while playing for Derby in the English second-tier on Monday. Agyemang, 25, landed awkwardly while bringing the ball down on his chest and collapsed to the grass. He was visibly emotional as he was taken off, his right leg strapped.

Why it matters

Agyemang has been pushing to get more starting minutes for the USMNT and is currently in the same tier as Haji Wright, with Josh Sargent, a call up for Qatar, back in MLS with Toronto. The No. 9 spot was a glaring issue for the U.S. at the 2022 World Cup, though this year's squad is expected to fare better if Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi can remain healthy.

The details

In his absence, Derby beat Stoke City 2-0. Agyemang has helped Derby rise into contention for promotion from the Championship thanks to a team-leading 10 goals since arriving last summer from Charlotte in Major League Soccer. During the recent international break, he came off the bench for the United States and scored in a loss against Belgium and got minutes against Portugal.

  • On Monday, Agyemang was carried off on a stretcher while playing for Derby.
  • Agyemang arrived at Derby last summer from Charlotte in MLS.

The players

Patrick Agyemang

A 25-year-old U.S. striker who plays for Derby in the English second-tier and is a main contender to be the USMNT's striker for the upcoming World Cup.

John Eustace

The manager of Derby, who said Agyemang has gone for a scan and they'll have to wait and see.

Folarin Balogun

A former English prospect who switched his national allegiance to the U.S. and is the nation's best option at striker.

Ricardo Pepi

Has improved his form playing in the Netherlands' top league for PSV Eindhoven and is another striker option for the USMNT.

Josh Sargent

A USMNT striker call up for the Qatar World Cup who is now back in MLS with Toronto.

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What they’re saying

“He's gone for a scan so we'll just have to wait and see. It's not good when a player comes off on a stretcher.”

— John Eustace, Derby manager

What’s next

Agyemang will undergo a scan to determine the extent of his injury, which will impact his chances of making the USMNT's World Cup roster.

The takeaway

Agyemang's injury is a major setback in his bid to secure a starting striker role for the USMNT at the upcoming World Cup, as the team looks to improve upon its striker issues from the 2022 tournament.