James Rodríguez has been named in Colombia’s final 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, despite a challenging domestic campaign severely restricted by health problems. His inclusion underlines the nation’s return to football’s showpiece event following an eight-year absence, after failing to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The 34-year-old midfielder, who shot to global prominence as the Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup, has had an interrupted season with Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise Minnesota United, whom he joined on a short-term contract in February. Out of 15 domestic fixtures played by the club, Rodríguez has feature in the starting line-up on just two occasions, accumulating a total of 194 minutes of game time.
Medical Diagnosis and Club Statement
The playmaker’s physical struggles stem from an international match in March, when he fell ill and had to be substituted during Colombia’s 3–1 win over France. Following his collapse, Rodríguez was admitted to hospital and placed under close medical observation for three days to treat acute dehydration.
The player’s medical timeline and professional participation statistics are outlined in the table below:
| Timeline & Phase | Physical & Medical Context | On-Field Participation Data |
| February 2026 | Joined Minnesota United on a short-term deal | 15 total club matches scheduled |
| March 2026 | Hospitalised for 3 days due to acute dehydration | Formally started 2 matches for MLS franchise |
| April – May 2026 | Diagnosed with severe muscle fatigue/overload | Logged a total of 194 minutes on the pitch |
Unverified reports in the American media and across social platforms suggested that the midfielder was suffering from rhabdomyolysis—a hazardous condition involving rapid muscle tissue breakdown. However, Minnesota United issued a strong statement denying these claims, reassuring the public that his condition was entirely manageable.
Selection Details and Tournament Preparation
The final roster, selected by head coach Néstor Lorenzo, combines experienced leaders with high-performing European assets, notably Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz. The final selection also includes Premier League figures such as Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma of Crystal Palace, alongside former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina.
The team will hold an initial training camp in Bogotá before playing two international friendlies against Costa Rica on 1 June and Jordan on 7 June. Colombia, who recorded their best tournament finish by reaching the quarter-finals in 2014, will open their World Cup campaign in Group K against Uzbekistan, followed by group fixtures against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Portugal.
Complete 26-Man Squad List
Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, Álvaro Montero, David Ospina.
Defenders: Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Yerry Mina, Willer Ditta, Daniel Muñoz, Santiago Arias, Johan Mojica, Déiver Machado.
Midfielders: Richard Ríos, Jefferson Lerma, Kevin Castaño, Juan Camilo Portilla, Gustavo Puerta, Jhon Arias, Jorge Carrascal, Juan Fernando Quintero, James Rodríguez, Jaminton Campaz.
Forwards: Juan Camilo Hernández, Luis Díaz, Luis Suárez, Carlos Andrés Gómez, Jhon Córdoba.