Focus on World Cup
©IMAGO
According to consistent media reports, James Rodríguez is about to move to the MLS. As Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra reports, among others, the 34-year-old Colombian is in advanced talks with Minnesota United. The captain of the national team should prepare there for the 2026 World Cup.
James has been without a club since the turn of the year. In December, his working term with the Mexican top team Club León ended, where he was involved in 14 goals in 34 games. The USA would be the twelfth country where James is under contract, after Colombia, Argentina, Portugal, France, Spain, Germany, England, Qatar, Greece, Brazil and Mexico. After stints at top European clubs such as FC Bayern and Real Madrid, Minnesota would be his 13th club.
There is no information yet on the terms of the contract; James’ focus is likely to be on the 2026 World Cup. After David Ospina, who wore the Colombia jersey 130 times, the former Munich player is the player with the second most appearances in his country with 122 games – if things are going well for the team, he could overtake the keeper during the World Cup. At the 2024 Copa América, James proved his importance when he led Colombia to the final as the tournament’s top scorer, where they were defeated by Lionel Messi and Argentina. He also wants to show this influence at the 2026 World Cup. Colombia will face Uzbekistan, Portugal and a FIFA playoff winner in the group.
In Minnesota, James could spend six months getting used to the USA. The team led by the two Germans Julian Gressel and Morris Duggan finished fourth in the Western Conference last season and failed in the quarterfinals of the MLS playoffs against San Diego. The season opener is February 22nd against Austin.
