James Rodríguez leaves Minnesota United to join Colombia World Cup camp; club confirms he

Minnesota United have confirmed that James Rodríguez played his final game for the club before joining the Colombia national team camp to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The club announced that Rodríguez will be released following their clash with the Colorado Rapids so he can link up with manager Nestor Lorenzo's squad; with his Minnesota contract due to expire in June 2026, his future at club level is now unclear.

Why it matters

Rodríguez is one of the highest-profile arrivals of Minnesota's winter window and his early departure removes a marquee attacking option from the Loons during a busy stretch of the MLS season. For Colombia, Rodríguez is expected to play a leadership role at the World Cup; for Minnesota, his exit — and the prospect he will enter free agency in June — raises questions about squad depth, recruitment and how the club will replace his influence if he does not return.

How this unfolded

According to the club statement reported by World Soccer Talk, Rodríguez joined Minnesota United in early February after his contract with Mexican side Club León expired in December 2025. Because of the timing of his signing he missed Minnesota's first three matches and made his MLS debut on March 15 in a 6-0 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

World Soccer Talk reports the club said Wednesday's game against the Colorado Rapids served as Rodríguez's farewell performance before he departed for Colombia's training camp. The report adds he will miss Minnesota's upcoming fixtures against the New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake while with the national team.

A brief and interrupted stint in Minnesota

Rodríguez played sparingly during his time in Minnesota. The report states he featured in eight of the club's 15 matches this season — six MLS appearances and two in the U.S. Open Cup — and did not score. His spell was hampered by fitness issues linked to a lack of preseason preparation. The situation was affected further in March when a national-team call-up led to dehydration and hospitalization, which the report says prevented him from reaching peak match fitness with the Loons.

• Minnesota confirmed Rodríguez will be released after the Colorado Rapids game to join Colombia's 2026 World Cup camp.
• Rodríguez signed with Minnesota in early February after his Club León contract expired in December 2025.
• He made his MLS debut on March 15 in a 6-0 loss to Vancouver and featured in eight of Minnesota's 15 matches this season (six MLS, two US Open Cup).
• Rodríguez was hospitalized with dehydration following a national team call-up in March, affecting his fitness.
• His Minnesota contract expires in June 2026, making a return to the Loons uncertain.

Implications for Minnesota United and Colombia

For Minnesota United, the loss of Rodríguez removes a high-profile option who could have provided creativity and leadership on the pitch, even if his impact was limited by fitness. The timing means the club must navigate upcoming MLS fixtures without him. For Colombia, Rodríguez is expected to be a central figure as he heads into camp under Nestor Lorenzo — the report notes he is expected to captain the side at the tournament.

What happens next

World Soccer Talk's coverage indicates Rodríguez will join Colombia's camp immediately and miss at least two MLS fixtures for Minnesota. With his contract expiring in June 2026, he is likely to become a free agent again; the report frames his club future as a "massive question mark." There is no confirmation in the source of any extension offer, transfer interest, or formal retirement plans, so those items require verification.