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.

R. Watanabe

Japan

Japan29 yrs

Age

179 cm cm

Height

71 kg kg

Weight

Forward

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Jubilo Iwata

2025

9 apps⚽ 1

Cerezo Osaka

2023–2024

18 apps⚽ 3

Fujieda MYFC

2023

26 apps⚽ 13

Azul Claro Numazu

2021–2022

36 apps⚽ 10

Career transfers

Cerezo Osaka Jubilo Iwata
1 Feb 2025Transfer
Jubilo Iwata Cerezo Osaka
30 Jan 2025Return from loan
Cerezo Osaka Jubilo Iwata
29 Jul 2024Loan
Fujieda MYFC Cerezo Osaka
26 Jul 2023
Azul Claro Numazu Fujieda MYFC
13 Jul 2022

Competitions

Friendlies Clubs· World

Recent form

vs Yokohama F. Marinos

J1 League · 3–4

🅰 166'7.3

vs Gamba Osaka

J1 League · 3–4

⚽ 161'7.0

@ Vissel Kobe

J1 League · 0–2

33'6.9

vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima

J1 League · 1–2

20'6.3

@ Nagoya Grampus

J1 League · 0–2

77'6.6

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Rating
2025	Jubilo Iwata	9	1	—
2024	Cerezo Osaka	10	2	6.38
2023	Fujieda MYFC	34	14	6.43
2022	Azul Claro Numazu	15	3	—
2021	Azul Claro Numazu	21	7	—

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls

← All World Cup stars