Minnesota United confirmed that James Rodriguez played his last MLS game before joining the Colombia national team camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup. James Rodriguez became one of the most high-profile signings of the winter transfer window when he joined Minnesota United FC ahead of the 2026 MLS season. However, the Loons have now confirmed that the star midfielder has played his final game for the club as he prepares to join the Colombia national team camp for the 2026 World Cup.
After his contract with Mexican side Club Leon expired in December 2025, Rodriguez became one of the most coveted free agents on the market. While he spent the winter training on his own, Minnesota emerged as the winner in the sweepstakes for his signature, officially pulling off the blockbuster move in early February.
Due to the timing of his arrival, Rodriguez missed Minnesota’s first three matches before making his highly anticipated MLS debut on March 15 in a disappointing 6-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Exactly two months later, the Loons announced that Wednesday’s clash with the Colorado Rapids served as the Colombian’s farewell performance.
In an official statement, the club confirmed the departure: “Minnesota United today announced that the club will release midfielder James Rodríguez following tonight’s Colorado Rapids game to join the Colombian National Team camp in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The club is proud to support James as he represents his country on the world’s biggest stage and wishes him success during camp and throughout the tournament.“
NEWS | Minnesota United today announced that the club will release midfielder James Rodríguez following tonight’s Colorado Rapids game to join the Colombian National Team camp in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026.The club is proud to support James as he represents his… pic.twitter.com/jXTAXaVEdQ— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) May 13, 2026
Rodriguez now heads to training camp under manager Nestor Lorenzo, meaning he will miss Minnesota’s upcoming fixtures against the New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake. With his current deal set to expire in June 2026, it is highly likely that the midfielder has played his final minutes in a Loons uniform.
Expected to captain Colombia this summer, Rodriguez has stated he isn’t considering retirement just yet, claiming he still has “a couple of years left” in the tank. Despite that optimism, his club future remains a massive question mark as he prepares to hit free agency for what would be the seventh time in his storied career.
A look back at James Rodriguez’s brief tenure with the Loons
Despite the massive expectations surrounding his short-term deal, Rodriguez struggled to find his footing during his stint in the Twin Cities. The Colombian featured in only eight of Minnesota’s 15 matches this season, logging six MLS appearances and two in the US Open Cup while failing to find the back of the net.
His time with the club was plagued by fitness issues, largely due to his lack of a proper preseason. The situation worsened in March when a call-up to the national team resulted in a severe case of dehydration that required hospitalization, a setback that prevented him from ever reaching peak match fitness with Minnesota.