James Rodriguez joins Lionel Messi, Thomas Müller, and Son Heung-min in MLS move that strengthens Colombia ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Colombian playmaker's short-term deal with Minnesota United is designed to keep him match-fit for the upcoming World Cup, posing a challenge for rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup campaign with Portugal just got more complicated as one of his team's Group K rivals has quietly strengthened its hand. Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez, who had been without a club, has signed a short-term deal with Minnesota United that runs until June 2026 with an option to extend. The move is designed to keep Rodriguez match-fit and influential ahead of the 2026 World Cup, following a path already taken by stars like Lionel Messi, Thomas Müller, and Son Heung-min.

Why it matters

This signing is about more than just MLS exposure for Rodriguez. As Colombia's captain and the emotional and tactical leader of a team that reached the 2024 Copa America final, his stability, fitness, and form could reshape the competitive balance in Group K long before the World Cup kicks off. For Portugal and the aging Ronaldo, this presents a significant challenge as they prepare for the global tournament.

The details

Rodriguez, 34, had been without a club after leaving Mexico late last year. His new contract with Minnesota United is designed with a single objective in mind: arriving at the 2026 World Cup sharp, healthy, and influential. The deal runs until June 2026, with an option to extend through the end of the season, ensuring regular play during the most critical buildup of his international career.

  • Rodriguez signed with Minnesota United in February 2026.
  • The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place.

The players

Cristiano Ronaldo

A Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains the Portugal national team, preparing for his final World Cup campaign.

James Rodriguez

A Colombian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder and is the captain of the Colombian national team, signing a short-term deal with Minnesota United to stay match-fit ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi

An Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains the Argentina national team, having joined MLS club Inter Miami CF.

Thomas Müller

A German professional footballer who plays as a forward and attacking midfielder, having joined the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS.

Son Heung-min

A South Korean professional footballer who plays as a forward, having joined the Los Angeles Football Club in MLS.

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What they’re saying

“The signing will allow Rodriguez to stay match-fit ahead of the 2026 World Cup.”

— Khaled El-Ahmad, Sporting Director, Minnesota United

“I'm very happy for this new chapter in my life. I hope to be at my best so I can bring joy to this city and to all of the people who are putting their faith in me.”

— James Rodriguez

What’s next

The 2026 World Cup draw will take place in the coming months, determining the groups and schedule for the tournament.

The takeaway

Rodriguez's move to MLS reinforces a growing trend of elite veterans choosing the league as a strategic launchpad for their final World Cup campaigns, rather than a retirement destination. This could have significant implications for the competitive balance in Group K, where Ronaldo and Portugal will face a strengthened Colombia side led by their experienced and in-form captain.