Former Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton midfielder James Rodríguez has been officially included in Colombia’s 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, despite missing the majority of the domestic season due to a severe medical condition. The tournament marks the South American nation’s return to the global stage after an eight-year absence, having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition.
Rodríguez, who currently plays in Major League Soccer (MLS) for Minnesota United, has experienced an interrupted club campaign since joining the franchise in February. Out of Minnesota’s 15 league fixtures this season, the veteran playmaker has been selected in the starting line-up only twice, accumulating a total of just 194 minutes on the pitch.
Medical Background and Institutional Clarification
The midfielder’s prolonged absence stems from an incident in March, when he fell ill during Colombia’s 3–1 international victory over France. Rodríguez was rushed to a hospital, where he was kept under clinical observation for three days due to severe dehydration.
Following his hospitalization, speculation emerged on social media, alongside reports in American media outlets, suggesting that the player had developed rhabdomyolysis—a potentially life-threatening condition involving rapid muscle tissue breakdown. However, Minnesota United issued a firm denial to refute these health claims, clarifying that his recovery was progressing in line with standard dehydration protocols.
Squad Dynamics and Tournament Prep
The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner headlines a selection that features prominent European-based talent, most notably Liverpool winger Luis Díaz. The final 26-man roster, ratified by the technical staff, balances veteran leadership with Premier League and top-flight experience.
The key roster divisions for the selected 26-man squad are structured in the table below:
| Position Group | Key Players Included | Current Club Affiliation |
| Goalkeepers | David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Álvaro Montero | Atlético Nacional, Atlas, Millonarios |
| Defenders | Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Yerry Mina | Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Cagliari |
| Midfielders | James Rodríguez, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos | Minnesota United, Crystal Palace, Palmeiras |
| Forwards | Luis Díaz, Jhon Córdoba, Juan Camilo Hernández | Liverpool, Krasnodar, Columbus Crew |
The Colombian contingent will begin their preparatory training camp in Bogotá before playing two international friendly matches against Costa Rica on 1 June and Jordan on 7 June. Colombia, who achieved their historical best by reaching the quarter-finals 12 years ago in Brazil, will commence their seventh World Cup campaign against Uzbekistan, before facing group-stage matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Portugal.
Complete 26-Man Roster
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.