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James Rodríguez, Undisputed Leader of Colombia on the Road to the 2026 World Cup After Shining Against Jordan
James Rodríguez shone again in the Colombia jersey and earned the full trust of Néstor Lorenzo in the final stretch toward the World Cup.
Colombia on the road to the World Cup and the importance of James
Colombia arrives at the World Cup with one certainty: James Rodríguez will be the team's pillar. The Minnesota United midfielder dispelled doubts about his physical condition in the friendly against Jordan, where he provided a key assist in the 2-0 win.
The play occurred in the 40th minute, when James slipped a left-footed pass between two defenders, setting up Jhon Arias, who finished with a cross-shot. That play not only sealed the victory, but also reinforced confidence in the "10" as the team's leader and the Tricolor's morale booster
The coach found a place for him
Néstor Lorenzo, the national team coach, once again highlighted the player's quality and defended his role within the team. “It's good to bring together players on good terms, but those players must occupy different spaces. If they pile up, we are susceptible to pressure from the opponent. The idea is to bring together good players and have them occupy different spaces both outside and inside," he explained.
The coach also clarified that James will not be used as a fixed winger, although he can start from that position, just like Juanfer Quintero or Jorge Carrascal. The tactical difference is clear: while Arias plays the role of a deep winger, James brings other characteristics, more associated with game construction and pauses.
The victory against Jordan
His performance against Jordan dispels the doubts that had arisen about his continuity and competitive pace. After weeks of speculation, the midfielder showed that he is ready to take on the World Cup challenge. With the debut scheduled for June 18, Colombia is counting on its captain, and the excitement grows with every pass that gets through



















