James Rodriguez has earned a place in Colombia's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the captain overcoming a turbulent season marked by illness to secure his spot in the national setup.

The 34-year-old midfielder has made limited appearances for Minnesota United in Major League Soccer this season, starting just 2 of the club's 15 matches and accumulating only 194 minutes on the pitch. Rodriguez, the Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup, joined Minnesota in February, shortly before the MLS campaign kicked off.

Hospital scare earlier this year

Rodriguez's selection comes after a worrying episode in March, when he was hospitalised following signs of illness during Colombia's 3-1 defeat by France. He spent three days under medical observation, diagnosed with severe dehydration.

Speculation on social media and in sections of the US press suggested he might be suffering from rhabdomyolysis — a potentially life-threatening condition that causes the breakdown of muscle tissue — but Minnesota United firmly denied those claims.

Diaz, Munoz, and Ospina also included

Rodriguez is joined in the squad by Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz, while Crystal Palace pair Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma also make the cut. Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina, now at Atletico Nacional, earns a recall as well.

Colombia's inclusion marks a return to the World Cup stage after the country failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar. They will prepare for the tournament with friendlies against Costa Rica on 1 June and Jordan on 7 June, training out of Bogota ahead of both matches.

Group K awaits Los Cafeteros

Making their seventh appearance at a World Cup finals, Colombia are placed in Group K, where they open against debutants Uzbekistan on 17 June. They will then face DR Congo and Portugal in their remaining group fixtures.

Full Colombia World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas (Atlas), Alvaro Montero (Velez Sarsfield), David Ospina (Atletico Nacional)

Defenders: Davinson Sanchez (Galatasaray), Jhon Lucumi (Bologna), Yerry Mina (Cagliari), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace), Santiago Arias (Independiente), Johan Mojica (Mallorca), Deiver Machado (Nantes)

Midfielders: Richard Rios (Benfica), Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace), Kevin Castano (River Plate), Juan Camilo Portilla (Athletico Paranaense), Gustavo Puerta (Racing de Santander), Jhon Arias (Palmeiras), Jorge Carrascal (Flamengo), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate), James Rodriguez (Minnesota United), Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central)

Forwards: Juan Camilo Hernandez (Real Betis), Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich), Luis Suarez (Sporting), Carlos Andres Gomez (Vasco da Gama), Jhon Cordoba (Krasnodar)