Is James Rodriguez Playing Tonight for Minnesota United vs. Colorado Rapids?

Tonight, Minnesota United host the Colorado Rapids at Allianz Field in a Western Conference matchup that could impact the playoff race. The Loons have the chance to climb into the top three with a home victory, and Colorado arrive desperate to stop a difficult run of form that has seen them slide down the standings.

Minnesota currently sit fifth in the Western Conference on 21 points and come into the match unbeaten in their last two league games. Colorado, meanwhile, are down in 11th place and still searching for consistency, with defensive issues continuing to hurt them. The Rapids will also be without suspended center-back Rob Holding after his recent red card.

the air feels different here



@coloradorapids

Allianz Field

Wed, May 13

7:30 p.m. CT

@AppleTV

1500 ESPN

https://t.co/lrPL4SMmRZpic.twitter.com/RamNy1s2ZU

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) May 12, 2026

And right at the heart of the attention surrounding tonight's match is Rodriguez.

James Rodriguez Available to Play Tonight for Minnesota United vs. Colorado Rapids

The Columbian midfielder is in the group and expected to play tonight. After a slow start to life in MLS that included limited minutes and fitness concerns, the Colombian playmaker delivered his most influential performance yet in Minnesota's 2-2 draw against Austin FC.

Coming off the bench in the second half, Rodriguez completely changed the rhythm of the game and showed flashes of the creativity that made him one of the biggest names of his generation. In less than 30 minutes on the pitch, he registered his first two assists for the club.

But after tonight's game, James Rodriguez is expected to leave Minnesota United permanently after the match to join Colombia's national team camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (ESPN). His current short-term contract runs through June, but reports indicate the club is not planning to activate the option that would extend his stay through December.

During the World Cup, Colombia will face Portugal, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo in Group K.

Rodriguez recently shut down speculation suggesting he could retire after the tournament, insisting he still believes he has several years left at the top level.

So while Minnesota are chasing a crucial win in the standings tonight, fans may also be witnessing Rodriguez's final appearance in MLS .

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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM.