When does the 2026 FIFA World Cup start?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, with the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Where is the 2026 World Cup Final?

The Final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York metro area) on July 19, 2026.

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

48 teams will compete in the 2026 World Cup — the first time the tournament has been expanded from 32 to 48 teams.

How many host cities are there?

16 host cities across 3 countries: 11 in the USA, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada.

How many matches will be played?

104 matches will be played over 39 days, from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Thiago Heleno

Brazil

Brazil37 yrs

Age

185 cm

Height

96 kg

Weight

Defence

Typical role

Brazil

Nationality

Career clubs

Atletico Paranaense

2021–2025

180 apps⚽ 1

Paysandu

2023–2025

15 apps⚽ 1

Career transfers

Atletico Paranaense Paysandu
6 Jun 2025Free transfer
Atletico Paranaense Paysandu
4 Jun 2025Free transfer
Figueirense Atletico Paranaense
29 Dec 2015
Palmeiras Criciuma
1 Apr 2013Free transfer

Injury record

Knock

Jul 2025

Muscle Injury

Nov 2024

Muscle Injury

Sept 2024

Tired

Aug 2024 – Sept 2024

Thigh Injury

Apr 2024 – May 2024

Knee Injury

Apr 2024

Competitions

Serie A· Brazil

Paranaense - 1· Brazil

Copa Do Brasil· Brazil

CONMEBOL Sudamericana· World

CONMEBOL Libertadores· World

Serie B· Brazil

CONMEBOL Recopa· World

Recent form

vs Avai

Serie B · 1–2

90'6.9

@ Ferroviária

Serie B · 2–2

⚽ 179'7.2

vs Novorizontino

Serie B · 0–1

90'7.5

@ Goias

Serie B · 0–1

98'7.2

vs America Mineiro

Serie B · 0–0

90'7.3

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Paysandu	11	1	1	7.06
2024	Atletico Paranaense	54	0	3	7.10
2023	Atletico Paranaense	53	0	0	6.94
2022	Atletico Paranaense	26	0	0	6.90
2021	Atletico Paranaense	51	1	0	7.10

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

264

Fouls

← All World Cup stars