James Rodríguez will leave Minnesota United after Wednesday's match to join the Colombia national team training camp [1].
The move signals Rodríguez's commitment to the 2026 FIFA World Cup [3]. By returning to international duty, the veteran midfielder aims to secure his role in the Colombian squad and silence speculation regarding his future in professional sports.
Rodríguez is scheduled to depart following a match against the Colorado Rapids on May 13 [1, 2]. While his immediate focus shifts to the national team, his contractual ties to the MLS club remain, with an option that extends through December 2026 [2].
The departure comes amid a wave of rumors suggesting the midfielder might retire from professional play. Rodríguez addressed these claims directly, saying that reports of his retirement were intended to "get likes" [3]. He further clarified his own ambitions for the coming seasons.
"I have a few more years," Rodríguez said [3].
Not everyone has viewed his tenure in the U.S. as a strategic success. Willington Ortiz, writing for Bolavip, said Rodríguez made a mistake by joining Minnesota United in the MLS [4]. However, the player's decision to prioritize World Cup preparation suggests he views his current trajectory as necessary for his international goals.
Rodríguez will now transition from the club environment in the U.S. to the rigorous training standards of the Colombian national team. This period of preparation is critical as the team builds its roster for the 2026 tournament [3].
“"I have a few more years," — James Rodríguez”
Rodríguez's transition from MLS to the national team camp underscores the tension between late-career club stability and the prestige of the FIFA World Cup. By explicitly denying retirement rumors and citing a multi-year window of viability, he is positioning himself as a central figure for Colombia's 2026 campaign, regardless of external critiques regarding his move to the U.S. league.
