Nightmare debut for James Rodríguez in MLS

The news that former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder James Rodríguez was signing for Minnesota United was one of the biggest MLS transfer shocks of recent years. The veteran star is still a key part of the Colombia national team and arrived in the Twin Cities on a short-term deal ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

But while the expectations were high, things have not gone to plan for James in the early weeks of the 2026 MLS season. Having not had a proper preseason, James was not involved in any of Minnesota’s first three fixtures and his first appearance was not a successful one.

James came off the bench for the final 30 minutes of Minnesota’s 6-0 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday. The score was 5-0 when the Colombian entered at BC Place.

Minnesota have struggled in the early games under new head coach Cameron Knowles, winning just one of their opening four MLS fixtures. Knowles has been tasked with introducing a more ball-playing, possession-based style to Minnesota but the growing pains have been clear to see.

In the opposite dug-out, Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sørensen was full of praise for his side, who bounced back from a midweek CONCACAF Champions Cup loss to the Seattle Sounders. In the league Vancouver have gone four from four to start the new season and they will be hopeful of mounting a comeback in Wednesday’s second leg against Seattle.

“It was more than we even hoped for,” Sørensen said of the bounce-back performance. “I think that we really came out strong. Even though it was only two-and-a-half days since we played last game, I think the players looked fresh and looked really eager to come out here and push the pace, and play with great quality I have to say. It was a great game obviously, and we’re very happy.”

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