US World Cup hopes take hit after star player ruptures Achilles

Team USA soccer legend Landon Donovan talks to Fox News Digital about the U.S. expectations in the World Cup.

The United States Men's National Team has a decent chance to go as far as it's ever gone in the World Cup, but they'll have to do it without one of their best young stars.

Striker Patrick Agyemang, who has six goals in 14 appearances for the USMNT, ruptured his Achilles on Monday and has been ruled out for the tournament.

Agyemang was carried off on a stretcher while playing for Derby in the English second-tier, one tier below the Premier League. He was visibly emotional as he was taken off with his right leg strapped.

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Derby County's Patrick Agyemang holds his head in his hands after sustaining an injury during the Sky Bet Championship match at Pride Park in Derby on April 6, 2026. (Mike Egerton/PA Images)

The 25-year-old first represented the Stars and Stripes last year for training camp and friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica, scoring in both contests. He made the CONCACAF Gold Cup team last summer, where the United States lost to Mexico in the final.

Agyemang recently suited up for the United States last week against Belgium and Portugal, scoring against the former on March 28.

Team USA, one of three host countries, drew a favorable group back in December, as Paraguay, Australia and either one of the four teams in UEFA Path C, which includes Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo and Romania, stand in their way ahead of the knockout stage. The U.S. is the highest-ranked team of the group.

Patrick Agyemang of Derby County goes down during the Sky Bet Championship match against Stoke City at Pride Park Stadium in Derby, United Kingdom, on April 6, 2026. (Maynard