The Colombia playmaker has sealed a short-term MLS move to Minnesota United as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup
James Rodríguez has completed a move to Minnesota United ahead of the 2026 MLS season, on a short-term arrangement that suits both player and club as the Colombian aims to get up to speed ahead of the World Cup.
The signing was officially confirmed by the club on Friday, just days after Rodríguez teased his fans on X as he uploaded a photo of him on a plane with the caption synonymous with a transfer being completed: “Here we go,” he wrote as the caption, causing a frenzy in both Colombia and the United States.
And at 17:45 CET, Minnesota United announced the signing with a photo of James in club gear, with a short statement that revealed a six-month contract with the possibility of another half a year after the World Cup.
“The club has signed Colombian international attacking midfielder James Rodríguez to a guaranteed contract through June 2026, with a club option through December 2026,” the social media post stated.
Here we go pic.twitter.com/ZCF8zUYo4z
— James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez) February 3, 2026
The details behind James Rodríguez’s move to Minnesota
GOAL has reported that the deal would be short-term and “supposedly without Designated Player money,” which matters in MLS because Designated Player slots are limited and shape how teams build their squads.
In other words, the reporting suggests Minnesota would be trying to fit Rodríguez in without using the roster mechanism normally reserved for marquee signings, creating flexibility for both sides if the partnership is intended to last only a few months.
That same piece also notes that Rodríguez left Club León in Mexico after his contract expired at the end of 2025, which is why a move in early 2026 has been presented as a clean, low-commitment option compared with longer contracts elsewhere.
When will James Rodríguez make his Minnesota United debut?
With the signing now sealed, it is likely that Rodríguez will make his MLS debut on the opening weekend on February 21.
Minnesota’s first match of the regular season is away at Austin FC. The game takes place on February 21/22, depending on your time zone:
February 21: 17:30 PT, 19:30 CST, 20:30 ET
February 22: 01:30 GMT, 02:30 CET
Minnesota fans will finally be able to watch him at the Allianz Field when they host Cincinnati FC on February 28, in a fixture that is expected to bring in a huge crowd, eager to welcome their new superstar.
February 28: 13:30 PT, 15:30 CST, 16:30 ET, 21:30 GMT, 22:30 CET
Él está aquí.
The club has signed Colombian international attacking midfielder James Rodríguez to a guaranteed contract through June 2026, with a club option through December 2026. pic.twitter.com/SLUjgLmDUh
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) February 6, 2026
James Rodríguez’s World Cup preparations
The broader logic behind the move is straightforward, as Rodríguez is 34 and the 2026 World Cup is approaching, so competitive minutes matter, especially for a player who may not have another opportunity to feature in a major tournament with his national team.
The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder made his name in the 2014 World Cup where he won the Golden Boot award after scoring six goals in five matches for Colombia.
Despite inconsistency and injury problems in recent years, his importance to his country has never waned. In the 2024 Copa America, he helped Colombia to the final, which they eventually lost to Argentina, but James was named player of the tournament.
Hence, his move to Minnesota is seen as a way for Rodríguez to play regularly in the months leading into the tournament, rather than trying to stay sharp through sporadic appearances or training alone.
He remains a key figure for Colombia, which makes match fitness and rhythm a priority as international football ramps up.
For Minnesota, the appeal is different but complementary, as they are signing a globally recognised name who can lift attention, add creativity, and provide immediate impact.
For Rodríguez, it is a runway into the World Cup summer, with MLS beginning in late February and a league schedule that, by design, includes a pause later in the year to accommodate the tournament being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.