The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) has suffered a significant blow during the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, as forward Haji Wright has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to an Achilles injury. The U.S. Soccer Federation announced the news on Saturday, confirming that the 27-year-old will return to his club, Coventry City, for further evaluation and treatment.

Wright's absence is a setback for the USMNT, who are aiming to dethrone defending champions, Mexico, and secure their first Gold Cup title since 2021. The Los Angeles native played a part in the team's opening 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, scoring in the 84th minute. However, he was absent from the squad that edged out Saudi Arabia 1-0, with concerns already circulating about a potential Achilles issue.

The injury leaves USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino with one less option up front. Wright will not be replaced on the tournament roster, leaving Pochettino to rely on his remaining forwards, including Vancouver Whitecaps striker Brian White, who has impressed in the MLS Golden Boot race. It also puts pressure on the likes of Patrick Agyemang and Damion Downs to step up.

Adding to the challenges, the USMNT is already without several key players for the Gold Cup. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, and Sergiño Dest are all sidelined due to injury or personal reasons. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna are unavailable because their clubs are participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Despite these absences, Pochettino is relying on veterans like Matt Turner, Tim Ream, and Tyler Adams to guide the team through the tournament. The roster also features fresh faces, with defenders Alex Freeman and Quinn Sullivan, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, and forward Damion Downs all earning their first-ever call-ups for the USMNT.

Pochettino has emphasized the need for the team to put in an impressive performance this summer, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming. The USMNT faced criticism after a poor showing in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals, adding pressure to perform well in the Gold Cup.

The USMNT has already secured a quarter-final berth. Their last group stage match is against Haiti. The team will be hoping that midfielders Tyler Adams and Johnny Cardoso will be fit to start. Adams is recovering from turf toe, while Cardoso has been battling illness.

With Wright's injury and other key players missing, the USMNT faces an uphill battle in the Gold Cup. However, Pochettino has expressed confidence in the squad, and the team will be determined to overcome these challenges and compete for the title.