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. Hirose

Japan

Japan30 yrs

Age

176 cm

Height

68 kg

Weight

Defence — right

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Vissel Kobe

2023–2025

138 apps⚽ 2

Kashima

2021–2023

55 apps⚽ 1

Career transfers

Kashima Vissel Kobe
22 Jan 2024
Yokohama F. Marinos Kashima
4 Jan 2020
Tokushima Vortis Yokohama F. Marinos
5 Jan 2019Free transfer
Mito Hollyhock Tokushima Vortis
1 Jan 2015

Honours

J1 League

Winner

Japan · 2× (2024, 2019)

Emperor Cup

Winner

Japan · 1× (2024)

Super Cup

Runner-up

Japan · 2× (2025, 2024)

J.League World Challenge

Runner-up

World · 1× (2024)

Competitions

J1 League· Japan

Super Cup· Japan

J-League Cup· Japan

AFC Champions League Elite· World

Emperor Cup· Japan

Friendlies Clubs· World

Recent form

@ Kashima

J1 League · 0–2

52'6.7

@ Avispa Fukuoka

J1 League

89'7.0

@ V-varen Nagasaki

J1 League · 2–2

32'6.2

vs Kyoto Sanga

J1 League · 1–0

45'6.6

vs Fagiano Okayama

J1 League · 0–3

67'6.6

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Vissel Kobe	71	0	5	6.87
2024	Vissel Kobe	39	2	5	6.86
2023	Vissel Kobe	36	0	1	6.81
2022	Kashima	30	0	3	6.82
2021	Kashima	17	1	2	7.14

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

115

Fouls

← All World Cup stars