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. Yamashita

Japan

Japan28 yrs

Age

164 cm

Height

54 kg

Weight

Midfield — centre

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Gamba Osaka

2023–2025

111 apps⚽ 16

Yokohama FC

2022–2024

45 apps⚽ 5

Tokyo Verdy

2021

39 apps⚽ 7

Career transfers

Yokohama FC Gamba Osaka
22 Jan 2024
Tokyo Verdy Yokohama FC
9 Jan 2022Free transfer

Honours

Emperor Cup

Runner-up

Japan · 1× (2024)

J2 League

Runner-up

Japan · 1× (2022)

Injury record

Injury

Mar 2025

Competitions

J1 League· Japan

J2/J3 League· Japan

AFC Champions League Two· World

Emperor Cup· Japan

J-League Cup· Japan

Recent form

@ Shimizu S-pulse

J1 League · 2–1

60'6.3

vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima

J1 League · 0–1

90'7.0

@ Nagoya Grampus

J1 League · 1–2

81'6.6

vs Vissel Kobe

J1 League · 5–0

77'7.0

@ Kyoto Sanga

J1 League · 1–1

90'6.0

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Gamba Osaka	48	11	4	7.13
2024	Gamba Osaka	37	3	4	6.87
2023	Gamba Osaka	29	4	0	6.77
2022	Yokohama FC	42	3	0	—
2021	Tokyo Verdy	39	7	0	—

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls

← All World Cup stars