7M - James Rodriguez Faces Fitness Race Ahead Of World Cup With Colombia

James Rodriguez is battling time and fitness concerns as Colombia prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the tournament less than two months away, the Colombian captain's recent performances have sparked debate about his readiness for football's biggest stage.

The 34-year-old playmaker recently returned to action with Minnesota United in the U.S. Open Cup following a bout of severe dehydration. His display raised questions among observers, as he showed signs of limited match sharpness, struggled with pressing intensity, and appeared uncomfortable with the game's tempo.

Felipe Cardenas of The Athletic remarked that Rodriguez will need a football miracle to rediscover the form he displayed for Colombia in 2024. The comment intensified discussion around the midfielder's condition ahead of the global tournament.

Despite physical concerns, Rodriguez's technical quality remains evident. In his return fixture, he registered 74 touches, completed 84 percent of his passes, and achieved 83 percent success in the opponent's half, earning a 7.0 rating from SofaScore. Minnesota United head coach Cameron Knowles emphasized his creative influence, noting his precision and vision on the ball.

The upcoming MLS match against Portland Timbers represents a critical opportunity for Rodriguez to build rhythm and demonstrate his fitness level. Every minute of action will be closely monitored by Colombia's coaching staff as they finalize preparations for the World Cup.

Colombia, who reached the Copa America final in 2024 with Rodriguez as a central figure, will rely on his experience and playmaking ability in North America this summer. However, the window to regain peak condition is narrowing rapidly.