Minnesota United will play their first game of the 2026 MLS season against Austin FC in Austin, Texas. Minnesota United will look to best their season last year after finishing 4th in the Western Conference.
Minnesota United were eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals after losing 1-0 to San Diego FC.
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The club plans to have a better season, especially after making a big signing in James Rodriguez.
The Colombian star arrives to the MLS club as a free agent and signed a six-month contract, with an option to extend it.
Colombian footballer James Rodriguez poses as he is presented as new player of Minnesota United FC on February 06, 2026 in Golden Valley, Minnesota. (Photo by Minnesota United FC/MLS via Getty Images)Photo by Minnesota United FC/MLS via Getty Images
(Photo by Minnesota United FC/MLS via Getty Images)
There are high expectations for Rodriguez to make an impact with Minnesota United, as the 2026 World Cup gets closer and the Colombian star needs minutes to prepare for the summer.
Despite the exciting signing for Minnesota United, James Rodriguez’s debut for the club will not be on matchday one.
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James Rodriguez won’t play in Austin FC vs Minnesota United
James Rodriguez will not play in Minnesota United’s game vs Austin FC tonight. Minnesota United head coach Cameron Knowles confirmed that the Colombian star will not be a part of the squad.
Rodriguez did not travel with the rest of the Minnesota United team to Austin, Texas.
Cameron Knowles spoke in a press conference about James Rodriguez missing the game and said, “James Rodriguez stayed in Minnesota, where he has continued training, and we expect to integrate him into the group when we return on Monday.”
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The Minnesota United head coach did not answer when Rodriguez will make his debut for the club after saying, “It’s difficult to put a specific timeline on his debut because we haven’t seen him in a full week of training.”
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
