James Rodríguez returns to World Cup spotlight as Colombia opens vs Uzbekistan
James Rodríguez stands at the center of Colombia’s 2026 World Cup campaign as Los Cafeteros open their tournament against Uzbekistan on Wednesday at Estadio Azteca.
At 34, Rodríguez is coming off a quiet spell with Minnesota United in MLS, logging just eight appearances and 284 minutes in the first half of the 2026 season. But his club form has never mattered for Colombia. The veteran midfielder arrives in Mexico City with a reputation built on big-stage magic: a legacy that includes a 2014 World Cup Golden Boot and a 2024 Copa América MVP award. Colombia’s players and coaches believe he remains the difference-maker they need.
Néstor Lorenzo, Colombia’s coach, said: “James is in good shape. He has been improving physically, and of course his talent and attributes make him a player who, sometimes without running as much as others, defines things and brings clarity to the game.”
Colombia hasn’t qualified for the World Cup since 2018, when they reached the Round of 16 before losing on penalties to England. The team arrives in 2026 hungry for redemption after missing Qatar 2022 entirely. Rodríguez’s presence offers more than experience: he’s one of only three Colombian players to appear in three World Cups, tying Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón.
Carlos Gómez, a 23-year-old forward, said: “He’s very important for us debutants because he’s played in every World Cup. He’s a global icon. I watched him from home in 2014 and celebrated his goals. It’s very exciting for me to be with him.”
Rodríguez’s breakthrough came in 2014, when his six goals won the Golden Boot and sent Colombia to the quarterfinals: their best World Cup finish. That run earned him a move to Real Madrid, where he won two La Liga titles over four seasons. His club career since has spanned Bayern Munich, Everton, Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, Club León, and Minnesota United.
Luis Suárez, the striker, said: “James, ever since we’ve seen him: or I since I was little: representing the country, it’s like he transforms when he puts on the jersey. He’s a source of pride as an athlete and a teammate, not only for me but for many others.”
Colombia’s opening match against Uzbekistan kicks off Colombia’s 2026 World Cup journey on 24 June at 21:00 local time. The team’s message is simple: enjoy it, be grateful, and give everything for the Colombian jersey. Lorenzo said: “Thank God we’re back at this tournament after eight years. We’re excited and eager to do things right.”
AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup