James Rodríguez Joins Minnesota United for 2026 World Cup Preparation

James Rodríguez, the captain of Colombia's national team, has joined Major League Soccer's Minnesota United as he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The experienced midfielder signed with the American club in February 2026 after departing Mexican side León, where he spent only a few months before becoming a free agent at the end of 2025. His initial contract runs through June 2026 with an option to renew through the end of the MLS season.

Rodríguez's move to Minnesota United was driven by his pursuit of competitive match fitness ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The club viewed the signing as an opportunity to acquire one of Colombia's greatest players, while the midfielder gained the chance to arrive at the tournament in peak physical condition. Through June 2026, Rodríguez has appeared in 12 matches for the club, recording 4 assists but no goals.

The 34-year-old's career has spanned numerous top European clubs including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, and Olympiacos, as well as stints in South America. His breakthrough came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he scored six goals, won the Golden Boot as the tournament's leading scorer, and was named to the competition's All-Star team—a performance that secured his transfer to Real Madrid. Despite his illustrious resume, Rodríguez has acknowledged inconsistency at club level in recent years, making the World Cup tournament his primary focus.