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James Rodríguez Named Colombia Captain Despite MLS Hospitalization

5/26/2026

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Summary

Rodríguez Named Captain

Colombia named James Rodríguez as captain in its World Cup squad.
Rodríguez, 34, has started two of Minnesota United’s 15 MLS games, playing 194 minutes.
Rodríguez was hospitalized in March after Colombia’s 3-1 loss to France, spending three days under observation for dehydration.
Minnesota United denied U.S. media rumors that Rodríguez suffered rhabdomyolysis.

Summary

Colombia Secures Spot

Colombia qualified third in CONMEBOL with 28 points, edging Uruguay and Brazil on goal difference.
Goalkeeper David Ospina, holder of a 129-cap record, is set for his final World Cup.
Coach Néstor Lorenzo arranged a Bogotá camp and friendlies versus Costa Rica on June 1 and Jordan on June 7.
Defender Jhon Duran was omitted from the squad, whose other members play for clubs such as Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and Crystal Palace.

History

Historical Context

Colombia’s 2024 squad, led by veteran James Rodríguez and 34-year-old goalkeeper David Ospina, follows a pattern of seasoned captains that began with Carlos Valderrama’s leadership in 1998, when Colombia reached the World Cup round of 16 for the first time. The team has now appeared in six finals (1962, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2014, 2018) and aims to improve on its historic quarter-final run in 2014.

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Rodríguez Named Captain

Colombia named James Rodríguez as captain in its World Cup squad.
Rodríguez, 34, has started two of Minnesota United’s 15 MLS games, playing 194 minutes.
Rodríguez was hospitalized in March after Colombia’s 3-1 loss to France, spending three days under observation for dehydration.
Minnesota United denied U.S. media rumors that Rodríguez suffered rhabdomyolysis.

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