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.

Thales Paula

Brazil

Brazil24 yrs

Age

175 cm cm

Height

75 kg kg

Weight

Midfield

Typical role

Brazil

Nationality

Career clubs

Tokushima Vortis

2024–2025

5 apps

Vanraure Hachinohe

2025

1 apps

Nagoya Grampus

2023–2024

15 apps

Roasso Kumamoto

2021–2022

37 apps⚽ 4

Career transfers

Parceiro Nagano Tokushima Vortis
30 Jan 2026Return from loan
Tokushima Vortis Parceiro Nagano
1 Jun 2025Loan
Vanraure Hachinohe Tokushima Vortis
30 May 2025Return from loan
Tokushima Vortis Vanraure Hachinohe
1 Feb 2025Loan
Nagoya Grampus Tokushima Vortis
8 Jul 2024
Roasso Kumamoto Nagoya Grampus
9 Jan 2023
Vanraure Hachinohe Tokushima Vortis
1 Feb 1926

Competitions

Recent form

@ Cerezo Osaka

J1 League · 1–2

vs Kashiwa Reysol

J1 League · 1–1

13'6.3

@ Sanfrecce Hiroshima

J1 League · 1–3

16'6.2

@ Urawa

J1 League · 0–1

8'6.6

vs Albirex Niigata

J1 League · 1–0

9'6.3

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Rating
2025	Vanraure Hachinohe	1	0	6.18
2024	Tokushima Vortis	7	0	—
2023	Nagoya Grampus	13	0	6.43
2022	Roasso Kumamoto	15	0	—
2021	Roasso Kumamoto	22	4	—

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls

← All World Cup stars