James Rodríguez, the ex-Real Madrid star and Colombia’s captain, made his first Major League Soccer start on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This was for Minnesota United FC against Los Angeles FC, a 1-0 home loss. He played 63 minutes at Allianz Field, a big step for him. And it’s all about getting fit for the World Cup, everyone knows that.
The 34-year-old midfielder has a lot riding on these games. He put in a lively shift against LAFC despite the result, showing flashes. Six shots taken, two of them on target. He also delivered 11 crosses, three of them finding their mark. Five chances created, eight corners; he was involved, for sure. MLSsoccer.com reported on his active performance.
World Cup Countdown: A Race Against Time
Rodríguez didn’t hold back after the match. He promised to be in “good shape” or “excellent form” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He told reporters,
“I’m going to arrive in form… I’m training hard—training to the max, going all out.”
This quote, picked up by Goal.com, highlights his dedication. But the pressure is mounting.
Just last month, he was hospitalized for severe dehydration during the March international break. That got folks worried about his fitness, naturally. Colombia’s national team coach Néstor Lorenzo was there in the crowd, one of nearly 20,000 fans. He was watching James’ every move, no doubt. The World Cup is just weeks away, and James has about six club matches left to get ready.
Colombia kicks off their Group C campaign in June 2026 against Uzbekistan. Then they face DR Congo on June 24, and Portugal on June 27. It’s a big group. James is a two-time World Cup veteran, won the Golden Boot in 2014. So his presence is crucial for them.
The MLS Gamble and Past Struggles
Rodríguez signed a short-term deal with Minnesota United through June 2026. It’s a temporary gig, basically. The whole point is to keep him match-fit until Colombia’s squad announcement. He’s been around, played for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, Olympiacos. This MLS move is meant to give his career a boost.
But his MLS tenure started slow. He played only one minute against Portland Timbers earlier this year. Missed a win against FC Dallas too. Less than 120 total club minutes with no goals or assists. Some folks even started talking about a “crisis.” World Soccer Talk mentioned these narratives. He’s been injury-prone before, but he always seems to come through in big tournaments, like the 2014 World Cup or the 2021 Copa América.
His dehydration scare in March made things more intense. The World Cup was 47 days away from that first start. Portugal, Colombia’s group stage opponent, is watching his form closely. You can bet Cristiano Ronaldo’s team knows what’s going on. This situation, it’s not unique. Older stars use club games for World Cup prep. But James’ limited play makes you wonder, like his time on the bench at Everton.
Performance and What’s Next
His performance against LAFC certainly helped calm some nerves. He felt good out there, he said. This start sets him up for Minnesota’s U.S. Open Cup tie against San Jose Earthquakes on April 28. Minnesota is mid-table in the MLS Western Conference. They didn’t win the game, but they gained attacking creativity with him on the field.
Here’s a quick look at his stats from the LAFC match:
| Metric | Rodríguez vs. LAFC (Apr 25, 2026) | 2026 MLS Season Total (Pre-Match) |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 63 | <120 |
| Shots (On Target) | 6 (2) | N/A |
| Crosses (Accurate) | 11 (3) | N/A |
| Chances Created | 5 | 0 Goals/Assists |
| Corners | 8 | N/A |
This outing shows he’s getting back to fitness. His contribution was far more than those brief cameos earlier in the season. Analysts are calling it a “standout performance.” Sports Illustrated highlighted his World Cup commitment. Lorenzo’s visits to club sites like Minnesota are proof he’s tracking James closely.
If James can keep this up, he could cement his captaincy for years. That boosts Colombia’s chances in what looks like a winnable group. But if he falters, a bench role or even exclusion from the squad isn’t out of the question. He’s been down that road before, after 2014. For now, the focus is on the next match, and then the World Cup. He wants to be ready.
