Minnesota United doesn’t need James Rodriguez - with concerns growing ahead of 2026 World Cup

Minnesota United edged FC Dallas 1–0 to secure a fourth straight victory, a run that has lifted the club into fourth place in the Western Conference and firmly into contention near the top of the standings. The surge has come with minimal involvement from one of its most high-profile signings.

James Rodríguez did not feature and remained on the bench at Toyota Stadium in Texas. Several Colombian fans were in attendance hoping to see the No. 10, even calling loudly for head coach Cameron Knowles to bring him on. The manager, however, chose not to respond. Support from the stands did not translate into minutes on the field.

“With regard to the Colombia national team, they certainly want him to play a lot, but Minnesota United is winning with almost no contribution from him,” journalist Andy Greder wrote on social media, referencing supporters who were heard during the broadcast urging the coach to make a change. The comment reflects a growing tension between form and expectation.

Across Minnesota’s four-game winning streak – 2–1 vs. LA Galaxy, 2–1 vs. San Diego, 2–0 vs. Portland Timbers, and 1–0 vs. FC Dallas – Rodríguez has played just one minute. During that stretch, the team also competed in the US Open Cup, where the Colombian made his first start, logging 66 minutes in a performance that ultimately had little impact. His lone extended appearance failed to shift the narrative around his role.

In total, Rodríguez has accumulated 106 minutes across just four appearances – three in MLS play and one in the US Open Cup. He has been named on the bench twice and missed four additional games due to injuries or documentation issues. The numbers underline a season that has yet to gain traction.

James’ race against time before the World Cup

The lack of match rhythm was evident during Colombia’s recent friendlies against Croatia and France. Now, the attacking midfielder faces a narrow window of seven games to build fitness and form ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Each remaining fixture carries increasing weight for his international prospects.

Minnesota’s upcoming schedule:

• April 25: vs LAFC
• April 28: vs San Jose 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

The challenge is not only the limited number of games before he joins Colombia’s training camp, but also the scarcity of minutes he is likely to see before his contract expires in June 2026. Time is running short for Rodríguez to reassert his influence at both club and international level.

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