Agyemang played in both of the USMNT’s March friendlies and is in contention for a World Cup roster spot. Mike Egerton – PA Images / Getty Images
United States men’s national team striker Patrick Agyemang was taken off on a stretcher during Derby County’s Championship match against Stoke City.
The 25-year-old jumped to challenge for the ball in the latter stages of the first half on Monday but landed awkwardly, the club said, and had to be substituted in the 41st minute, replaced by Jadon Banel.
Agyemang played 65 minutes over the USMNT’s two March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, putting himself back into contention for a spot on Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup roster this summer.
It was Agyemang’s first games for his national team since July, when he started in the semi-final and final of the 2025 Gold Cup.
For his club, the forward has been a consistent member of John Eustace’s starting XI this season, making 37 league appearances and scoring ten goals as Derby challenges for a playoff spot. Before Monday’s match, Derby was eighth, three points off Wrexham in sixth place.
A potential blow to the USMNT’s depth
Analysis by Paul Tenorio
You can make a decent argument that Agyemang might have leapfrogged Ricardo Pepi on the depth chart during the March window, when he got 65 minutes off the bench compared to the PSV man’s 20.
The 6ft 4ins (193cm) Agyemang adds a different element for the U.S. up top, and it looks like he’s learned how to use his frame much more to his advantage playing in the Championship.
Unless Pochettino brings four strikers, there’s a real battle on the No. 9 depth chart with presumed starter Folarin Balogun of Monaco, Pepi, Agyemang and Coventry City’s Haji Wright.
A long-term injury to the Derby striker might make Pochettino’s decision for him, but it’d be a blow to the American depth ahead of the World Cup, for sure.
Apr 6, 2026
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