100 days before the World Cup: James still has no minutes in 2026

James Rodriguez postponed his debut with Minnesota in the MLS and still will not play in 2026. On June 17 the World with Colombia against Uzbekistan in Mexico.

The captain completed three and a half months without playing a game. The last time was on November 18, 2025 with the National Team in the 3-0 victory over Australia in a FIFA friendly in New York. He scored a penalty goal and cut the lead with Falcao García in the table of top scorers. The score was 35 vs 31.

To prepare for his third World Cup, he chose MLS, one of the hosts of the Cup. He signed for Minnesota United with whom he completed a week of group training. He entered the squad against Cincinnati for the second date, however, he remained on the bench.

“It was a difficult game to get into. The game was 1-0 and James had been sitting on the bench for 75, 80 minutes only with a full week of training with us. I think it was not the ideal circumstance for the debut,” explained coach Cameron Knowles.

It is the only one in the national team without competition. Everything indicates that he will participate in the third day this Saturday, March 7, away against Nashville SC.

His career guarantees him a place among those called up for the FIFA matchday in March against Croatia and France. In these demanding tests, Colombia needs him for more. The starter must show physical and football ability to maintain the expectations that exist with the team..

There is urgency.