James Rodríguez has shut down reports suggesting he plans to retire after the 2026 World Cup, insisting he has several more years of football left in him.
The 34-year-old told Apple TV after posting his first two MLS assists in Minnesota United's 2–2 draw with Austin FC on Sunday: "I don't know who said that. I think it was in Colombia to get views, to get likes. But I think they should inform themselves a bit more about all these things. The only person who will know how long I want to play is me."
"I'm going to say with plenty of time in advance [when I intend to retire], but right now I think I have a few more years. All those things they're saying are false." he added.
On-Field Performance vs. Austin
The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner signed a short-term contract through June with Minnesota ahead of the 2026 MLS season. After a slow start—playing just 104 minutes across four matches—James made a 32-minute appearance against Austin.
He turned back the clock, providing a perfectly-weighted cross for Anthony Markanich's finish and a slicing pass to Joaquín Pereyra to help the Loons claim a point.
Colombia World Cup Preparations
After the match, James confirmed he is set to join Los Cafeteros for a pre-World Cup camp on May 17, making Wednesday's match against the Colorado Rapids likely his final competitive minutes before the tournament.
"Next week, I'll be with them. Obviously, I want to think about what's coming up. I'm at a certain age, and I have to think about everything that is coming, which I think will be good. Day to day, I train well. I take good care of my body, and if they give me 30, 40 minutes or the whole match, I have to be ready."
What's Next for James?
James Rodríguez is unlikely to be back with Minnesota United after the World Cup. His current short-term deal runs through June 30, and according to reports, he and the club have decided not to exercise the option to extend it through the remainder of the season.
However, the focus is solely on Colombia's World Cup run and his return to a tournament that launched him into the global spotlight 12 years ago.
Colombia World Cup Schedule
Colombia will face Costa Rica in Bogotá on May 29 in a World Cup send-off match, before taking on Jordan in a friendly in San Diego on June 7.
Los Cafeteros open their Group K schedule on June 17 against Uzbekistan in Mexico City, before facing DR Congo and Portugal in Miami to wrap up group stage action.