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.

Paulo

Defence

Typical role

Career clubs

Riga

2025

3 apps

Alverca

2024

17 apps

São Bernardo

2024

0 apps

Santa Clara

2022–2023

11 apps

Novorizontino

2023

5 apps

Cruzeiro

2021–2022

5 apps

Career transfers

Auda Riga
29 Dec 2025Return from loan
Riga Auda
1 Jul 2025Free transfer
Alverca Riga
4 Mar 2025Transfer
Alverca Riga
28 Feb 2025Transfer
Novorizontino Alverca
26 Jul 2024
Santa Clara São Bernardo
4 Mar 2024Loan
Santa Clara Novorizontino
21 Jul 2023Loan
Cruzeiro Santa Clara
4 Aug 2022

Competitions

Segunda Liga· Portugal

Serie B· Brazil

Primeira Liga· Portugal

Taça de Portugal· Portugal

Virsliga· Latvia

Taça da Liga· Portugal

Copa Do Brasil· Brazil

Mineiro - 1· Brazil

Paulista - A1· Brazil

Serie C· Brazil

Recent form

vs Feirense

Segunda Liga · 1–0

90'7.3

@ Mafra

Segunda Liga · 1–1

90'6.7

@ FC Porto B

Segunda Liga · 1–1

@ Mirassol

Paulista - A1 · 2–0

@ Atletico Goianiense

Serie B · 2–2

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Rating
2025	Riga	3	7.20
2024	Alverca	17	6.95
2023	Novorizontino	5	6.52
2022	Santa Clara	12	6.50
2021	Cruzeiro	4	6.30

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls

← All World Cup stars