James Rodriguez is heading to the with the weight of expectation still squarely on his shoulders. After preparing for the global showpiece with a short-term move to Major League Soccer's Minnesota United, the 34-year-old playmaker is back to fitness and ready to break two records in North America.
With 36 assists to his name, he is four shy of tying Carlos Valderrama's all-time assist record. Meanwhile, two appearances would draw him level with Valderrama and Freddy Rincon as Colombia's most capped players in World Cup history with ten.
James has been following a specific training plan designed to prepare him for his third World Cup. “James is progressing well. He’s been training hard and, although he had a slight setback, he’s in good shape,” coach Nestor Lorenzo said when naming his .
Since September 2020, James has struggled to find regular playing time at club level with Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, Sao Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, and Club Leon among his many stops. Injuries, fitness setbacks and managerial doubt have repeatedly stalled his momentum just as it seemed to be building.
However, Lorenzo's appointment as Colombia coach after the , has breathed new life into James. With La Tricolor, he is trusted, protected and central to the plan, while at club level he is still searching for traction.
After a difficult spell at Everton, James was dropped for the World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Argentina in May 2021 and then left out of that year’s CONMEBOL Copa America squad.
Under Reinaldo Rueda, he fell out of favour and missed eight World Cup qualifying matches - the former Atletico Nacional head coach citing fitness concerns and tactical reasons. James’ absence was felt by Colombia and he eventually returned for the qualifying matches against Brazil and Paraguay ahead of Qatar 2022. The reset came when Lorenzo, former Colombia coach Jose Pekerman’s assistant, took charge.
“Some players give you more in 20 minutes than others give you in a full match," Lorenzo said after taking up his post. "He's been a huge asset to Colombian football. When I spoke to him, he seemed determined and ready to give his all for the national team.” It was an early statement of intent, and the Argentinian coach has backed it ever since.
James will have to live up to high expectations at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Colombia are no longer outsiders making up the numbers, but rather a side with real ambition. La Tricolor's No10 knows he has a strong support system to fall back on, but that he must make the difference.
That means demonstrating his exceptional technical ability, incisive through-balls, excellent set-piece delivery and ability to control the tempo of the game. He has done so in the past, helping Colombia finish second at the Copa America 2024.
Lorenzo’s 4-2-3-1 gives the team balance behind James and runners around him. Out of possession, the wide players drop in to form a compact midfield line, while James initiates the press alongside the striker. Jon Arias offers pace on one side and Luis Diaz unpredictability on the other. For James, that movement and understanding are essential.
The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich attacker brought unexpected brilliance to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. He scored six times, including the stunning strike against Uruguay that was voted
Four years later, he treated fans to an unforgettable night against Poland during the in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, but an injury then ruled him out of the Round of 16. La Tricolor were knocked out by England on penalties.
He heads to the 2026 tournament, having returned to the place where his career has always looked brightest - even when club football has offered little certainty. For James, the World Cup remains home.
Sources: FIFA Official
