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.

T. Hirato

Japan

Japan28 yrs

Age

177 cm

Height

64 kg

Weight

Midfield — left

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Kyoto Sanga

2023–2025

87 apps⚽ 4

Machida Zelvia

2021–2022

80 apps⚽ 17

Career transfers

Machida Zelvia Kyoto Sanga
9 Jan 2023
Kashima Machida Zelvia
1 Aug 2019
Machida Zelvia Kashima
1 Feb 2019
Kashima Machida Zelvia
1 Feb 2017Loan

Honours

Emperor Cup

Winner

Japan · 1× (2016/2017)

J1 League

Winner

Japan · 1× (2016)

J-League Cup

Winner

Japan · 1× (2015)

FIFA Intercontinental Cup

Runner-up

World · 1× (2016)

Competitions

Recent form

@ Vissel Kobe

J1 League · 0–1

@ Nagoya Grampus

J1 League · 0–3

45'6.7

@ Avispa Fukuoka

J1 League · 1–1

vs Shimizu S-pulse

J1 League · 1–2

vs Gamba Osaka

J1 League · 1–1

17'5.9

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Kyoto Sanga	35	0	6	6.91
2024	Kyoto Sanga	32	3	6	7.04
2023	Kyoto Sanga	20	1	2	6.90
2022	Machida Zelvia	39	9	0	—
2021	Machida Zelvia	41	8	0	—

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls

← All World Cup stars