James Rodriguez revealed that he is planning on making his debut for Minnesota United when they face the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday.
The 34-year-old joined Minnesota as a free agent following a short stint with Leon in Mexico, but has yet to feature in MLS this season.
Rodriguez was an unused substitute during their 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati, though he missed the following match against Nashville SC through injury.
The Colombia international has represented the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Porto and Monaco in his impressive career, while he starred for his country at the 2014 World Cup.
Minnesota have one win to their name after three games this season, and will be looking to cause an upset in Vancouver.
“Next weekend I play on Sunday,” Rodriguez announced during an interview with streamer Pelicanger.
“Against [Thomas] Muller’s team. I don’t know what it’s called. Vancouver, I think. It’s nice here.”
Vancouver have made a perfect start to MLS this season, defeating Real Salt Lake, Toronto FC and the Portland Timbers in their opening three games.
However, they fell to a 3-0 defeat in the first leg of their Champions Cup last-16 tie against the Seattle Sounders during the week.
Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen has urged his side to have more composure in front of goal after struggling against Seattle.
“That’s definitely one of the things,” said Sorensen when asked if his side need to hit the target more often.
“We had a lot of shots and a lot of opportunities, but we didn’t hit the target.
“That’s one of the things we emphasise. We have to be a bit cooler in the moment and get a quality shot in rather than rushing it.
“I believe in the team. Let’s see what we can do.”
on repeat pic.twitter.com/Awemn18Ljk
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 13, 2026
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver Whitecaps – Brian White
White scored two of the Vancouver Whitecaps’ four goals in the team’s 4-1 win at Portland.
It was White’s eighth multi-goal game since joining Vancouver in 2021, equalling Camilo Sanvezzo for the most such games in the Whitecaps’ MLS history.
Minnesota United – Nectarios Triantis
Triantis scored his third career regular-season MLS goal on Saturday with all three of them coming from outside the box.
He’s the second player since the start of the 2025 season to score each of his first three career MLS goals from outside the box alongside teammate Joaquin Pereyra.
MATCH PREDICTION – VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN
After winning only three of their first 12 matches against Minnesota (D4 L5), Vancouver have won three of the last five (D1 L1).
Minnesota have avoided defeat in three of their last four visits to BC Place, however (W2 D1), including a goalless draw last May.
Vancouver have opened a season with three consecutive wins for the first time in club history. Dating back to the end of last season, the Whitecaps have lost only two of their last 17 MLS matches (regular season and playoffs).
Minnesota suffered their first defeat of the season at Nashville. Minnesota have not lost back-to-back regular-season matches since the start of the 2025 season, posting a record of W5 D3 L0 following their eight defeats in that time.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Vancouver Whitecaps – 56.4%
Draw – 22.6%
Minnesota United – 21%
