James Rodriguez’s situation is once again causing concern for the Colombian national team. Nestor Lorenzo, the coach of the national team, decided to intervene directly in the captain’s situation, whose lack of minutes at Minnesota United has set off alarm bells just a few months before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The context is not minor. James is not having continuity in MLS and, according to the information known, his participation in the American team has been limited, to the point that in some games he barely adds minutes or even remains on the bench. For Lorenzo, who follows closely the players who could be included in the final list for the World Cup, this lack of rhythm represents a serious problem.
A tour to follow the candidates
As part of the planning for the World Cup, Lorenzo will begin a tour to visit players who could be part of the final squad. According to journalist Cesar Augusto Londono, the first destination will be Minnesota, where he will meet with James Rodriguez to personally analyze his current state and competitive situation.
The Argentine coach’s decision shows the level of concern that exists around the Colombian No.10. The strategist wants to see first-hand how the midfielder is doing, both physically and football-wise, and to understand why he is not being regularly considered by his club.
The problem of the few minutes
The big red flag is the lack of continuity. James has had very little involvement with Minnesota United, something that directly affects his preparation and also his performance with the Colombian national team. In a player of his profile, the rhythm of competition is crucial to maintain precision, intensity and reading of the game.
So far, James has a total of 106 minutes with his team (three in MLS and one in the US Open Cup). In fact, he has only started in the Cup match and has been a regular on the substitutes’ bench for the rest. This is in addition to his absence at the beginning of the year due to documentation issues and problems with injuries and illness.
This reality was already reflected in his recent appearances with the national team, where he did not show his best version in the friendly matches against Croatia and France, matches that served as a sign that the captain is still not at his best. For a player who leads the national team, arriving with few minutes under his belt is a factor that worries the coaching staff and fans alike.
Minnesota United already competes without James
Minnesota United is going through a good time in MLS and, for now, it is doing so practically without James Rodriguez on the field. That is the big conclusion left by the present of the Colombian midfielder, whose participation in the team has been minimal while the club chains important victories in the league.
The debate is not only about the player’s performance, but also about the context surrounding him. James arrived in the United States with the intention of gaining competitive rhythm ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but reality has been different: the team has won without depending on him and that has further reduced the urgency of his presence in the starting eleven
Minnesota United have won four consecutive MLS games, with victories over LA Galaxy, San Diego, Timbers and Dallas, and in those games James Rodriguez has played just one minute in total. That figure succinctly sums up the situation: the club is functioning, the collective plan is working and the Colombian is still waiting for his real chance.
Even when he played a bigger role in the US Open Cup, the balance did not change much. James started for the first time and played 66 minutes, but his impact was discreet, which fuels the perception that he has not yet managed to fully connect with the dynamics of the team.
The seven games James has left before the World Cup
The paradox is clear: he arrived to regain prominence, but the team has found results without needing him too much. In this context, the big challenge is not only to play again, but to convince that he can still be decisive in a key stretch of the season and in preparation for the World Cup
- April 25: vs. LAFC
- April 28: vs. SJ Earthquakes
- May 2: vs. Columbus Crew
- May 10: vs. Austin FC
- May 13: vs. Colorado
- May 16: vs. New England
- May 23: vs. Real Salt Lake
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