Minnesota United’s decision to sign James Rodríguez in February 2026 was framed as a strategic move to prepare the Colombia national team captain for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but recent match data shows the veteran playmaker has struggled to secure meaningful playing time in Major League Soccer.
According to verified reports from Colombian sports outlets, Rodríguez has not started a single MLS match since joining the club and has accumulated minimal minutes across several appearances, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming World Cup tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The situation has drawn attention from Colombia’s national team coach Néstor Lorenzo, who reportedly held direct conversations with Rodríguez before the Minnesota United signing to assess the impact of the player’s extended period without official competition.
Lorenzo emphasized the importance of competitive rhythm ahead of the World Cup, stating that the Colombia national team occupied a central place in Rodríguez’s decision-making process, and that his advice was deemed decisive in the midfielder’s choice to join the MLS side.
Despite these preparations, Rodríguez has yet to record a full 90-minute appearance for Minnesota United, with his playing time limited to substitute appearances in league matches and a single start in the US Open Cup, where he played 66 minutes.
As of late April 2026, with less than two months remaining before the World Cup opens on June 11, Rodríguez has not featured in Minnesota United’s starting XI for any MLS match, prompting renewed scrutiny from both club and national team staff regarding his match fitness and integration into the team’s tactical setup.
The Colombia national team considers Rodríguez a fixed selection under Lorenzo, making his lack of playing time at the club level a point of concern as the squad finalizes its preparations for the global tournament.
Verified match logs indicate that Rodríguez’s total playing time for Minnesota United in 2026 amounts to just 40 minutes across three league appearances, supplemented by 66 minutes in the US Open Cup, bringing his season total to 106 minutes across all competitions.
This limited exposure contrasts sharply with the expectations set when he signed a six-month contract with the club in February, which was described at the time as a short-term solution aligned with a broader strategy to ensure World Cup readiness.
Lorenzo has since reportedly planned a trip to the United States to meet with Rodríguez in person, underscoring the gravity of the situation from the national team perspective, as the coaching staff seeks to understand the factors behind the player’s limited involvement.
The midfielder, who previously played for European clubs including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, joined Minnesota United after months of speculation linking him to teams across South and Central America, ultimately choosing the MLS opportunity as a path to regain competitive form.
However, the lack of minutes has led to questions about whether the move has achieved its intended purpose, particularly given the World Cup’s proximity and the physical demands expected of Colombia’s captain in the tournament.
As the June World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on how Rodríguez adapts to the MLS environment and whether he can accumulate the necessary playing time to arrive at the tournament in optimal condition, a goal repeatedly cited by both the player and national team staff as the primary objective of his move to Minnesota United.
The situation remains fluid, with no official updates from either Minnesota United or the Colombian Football Federation regarding Rodríguez’s immediate future or potential adjustments to his role within the squad.
Fans and analysts alike are encouraged to follow official channels for the latest developments as the World Cup draw nears and national team preparations enter their final stages.