Colombia Taps Into James Rodríguez's World Cup Magic as It Kicks Off Against Uzbekistan

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Colombia’s James Rodriguez celebrates after defeating Costa Rica at the end of a friendly soccer match in Bogota, Colombia, Monday, June 1, 2026.

MEXICO CITY - The greatest chapters of James Rodríguez’s career have inevitably been written in the yellow jersey of Colombia, particularly under the intense pressure of short-format tournaments. The 2026 World Cup presents the veteran midfielder with an opportunity to summon his familiar magic once again.

Rodríguez and Colombia will take the field in their tournament opener against Uzbekistan at Estadio Azteca on Wednesday.

At 34 years old, Rodríguez is coming off a relatively quiet stint with Minnesota United of Major League Soccer, but Colombia players and coaches remain convinced that he is a difference-maker.

"James is in good shape, he has been improving physically and of course his talent and his attributes also make him a player who, sometimes without running as much as others, defines things and brings clarity to the game," Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo said.

Rodríguez will make his third World Cup appearance, matching Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón for the most by a Colombia player.

"He’s very important for us debutants because he’s played in every World Cup; he’s a global icon," said 23-year-old forward Carlos Gómez. "He has quality and a lot of experience. I watched him from home in 2014 and celebrated his goals; it’s very exciting for me to be with him."

Rodríguez arrives at the tournament with remarkably little mileage in his legs, having logged just eight appearances and 284 minutes for Minnesota during the first half of the 2026 MLS season.

However, a lack of form in club play has never hindered his international output. Rodríguez has consistently been a talisman during short summer tournaments.

His breakthrough came a decade earlier at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when he won the Golden Boot with six goals and propelled Los Cafeteros to the quarterfinals, their best World Cup finish.

"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," striker Luis Suárez said. "He’s a source of pride as an athlete and a teammate, not only for me but for many others. It’s a dream to be sharing the locker room with him."

His performance in 2014 earned him a transfer to Real Madrid, where he collected two La Liga titles in four seasons. That peak sparked a globetrotting club career, taking him through Bayern Munich, Everton, Al-Rayyan in Qatar, Olympiacos in Greece, and subsequent stints with São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, Liga MX side Club León and Minnesota.

Colombia returns to soccer’s grandest stage eager for redemption after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar. It reached the knockout round in Russia in 2018, losing a penalty shootout against England.

"The message is to enjoy it, to be grateful, and to give their all 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."