James Rodriguez
ColombiaMidfielderClub LeonJames Rodriguez goes into World Cup 2026 as a midfield option with real game-management value for Colombia. He brings 124 caps and 31 goals into the tournament. Club Leon provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is support angles, second-ball reactions, passing choices and defensive cover.
Group K
Jun 17, 2026vs Uzbekistan - 8:00 PM CST
Quick Facts
James Rodriguez and Colombia World Cup 2026 Squad
Colombia selected James Rodriguez for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a midfielder, he can connect midfield to attack, protect the centre and choose when to speed up the next pass.
Rodriguez is part of a group of 10 midfielders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
James Rodriguez brings 124 caps and 31 goals into the tournament.
Rodriguez's senior international timeline dates back to 2011, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: James Rodriguez enters the tournament with 124 caps and 31 goals for Colombia.
- World Cup 2026 role: Colombia list James Rodriguez as a midfielder, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: Colombia face Uzbekistan, Congo DR and Portugal in the group stage.
Colombia Senior Milestone
- International experience: 124 caps and 31 goals make this one of the stronger records in the squad.
Playing Style and Strengths
Rodriguez's World Cup value starts with support angles, second-ball reactions, passing choices and defensive cover.
On the ball, Rodriguez's value is in the angle of support and the speed of the next pass.
- Tempo control
- Pressure resistance
- Recovery runs
- Forward passing
- Second-ball duels
- Central spacing
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Colombia start against Uzbekistan on 17 June 2026 in Mexico City. For Rodriguez, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Congo DR follow on 23 June 2026 in Guadalajara. For Rodriguez, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves Colombia chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 20268:00 PM CST | Uzbekistan | Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City |
| Jun 23, 20268:00 PM CST |  Congo DR | Guadalajara Stadium, Guadalajara |
| Jun 27, 20267:30 PM EDT |  Portugal | Miami Stadium, Miami |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
James Rodriguez played 14 Liga MX matches for Club Leon in 2025/26, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists.
Rodriguez's latest checked appearance came on June 2, 2026, with 45 minutes in Colombia versus Costa Rica.
Career Stats
James Rodriguez brings 124 caps and 31 goals into the tournament.
For Colombia, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Rodriguez's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Colombia |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Club | Club Leon |
| Caps | 124 |
| Goals | 31 |
| Born | 12 July 1991 |
World Cup 2026 Role
James Rodriguez enters World Cup 2026 with Colombia as a midfielder. The senior record stands at 124 caps and 31 goals. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
Colombia will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are ball security, passing choices and recovery runs.
Colombia start against Uzbekistan on Jun 17, 2026 in Mexico City. Congo DR and Portugal come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is James Rodriguez in the Colombia World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. James Rodriguez is in Colombia's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does James Rodriguez play?
He is listed as a midfielder for Colombia.
How many international caps and goals does James Rodriguez have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 124 caps and 31 goals for Colombia.
Who are Colombia's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Colombia face Uzbekistan, Congo DR and Portugal in the group stage.
When is James Rodriguez's first World Cup 2026 match?
Colombia start against Uzbekistan on 17 June 2026 in Mexico City.
What is James Rodriguez's latest club form?
He plays for Club Leon in the checked player facts.
More Colombia World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more Colombia squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group K Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombia | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | Portugal | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| 3 | Congo DR | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 4 | Uzbekistan | 3 | -9 | 0 |