MLS Prepares to Add James Rodríguez as Austin FC Closing in on Colombian Star

Major League Soccer is on the verge of adding another global star to its international showcase. James Rodríguez, the current No. 10 of the Colombia national team, is just details away from becoming a new player for Austin FC—a move that would mark his definitive exit from Liga MX and open a new chapter on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

Club co-owner Matthew McConaughey has been directly involved in shaping Austin FC’s identity and long-term vision, and his name is now closely linked to the operation aimed at making James the face of the sporting project for the upcoming season.

Austin FC managed to move ahead of other interested clubs, including Columbus Crew, which for weeks appeared to be the leading candidate to sign the Colombian midfielder.

The Texas-based club finished sixth in the Western Conference during the 2025 season but was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Rather than settling, the front office chose to pursue a signing of international stature to raise both the sporting level and the global profile of the organization.

Although recent rumors linked James Rodríguez with a possible move to Pumas for the Clausura 2026, the latest reports now distance him from Mexican football and place him firmly in MLS as the next marquee star for Austin FC.

After a modest spell with León—largely affected by the team’s collective struggles—the Colombian midfielder is seeking stability, a leading role, and an environment that allows him to manage his physical condition without losing international visibility. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Austin FC appears ready to offer James Rodríguez the platform he needs for the next phase of his career.