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. Shirasaki

Japan

Japan32 yrs

Age

181 cm

Height

70 kg

Weight

Midfield

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Machida Zelvia

2024–2025

38 apps⚽ 2

Shimizu S-pulse

2022–2024

91 apps⚽ 9

Kashima

2021

23 apps⚽ 4

Career transfers

Shimizu S-pulse Machida Zelvia
31 Jan 2025Transfer
Shimizu S-pulse Machida Zelvia
20 Jan 2025Transfer
Shimizu S-pulse Machida Zelvia
1 Aug 2024Loan
Kashima Sagan Tosu
10 Aug 2021Loan
Shimizu S-pulse Kashima
5 Jan 2019Free transfer
Kataller Toyama Shimizu S-pulse
1 Jan 2015
Shimizu S-pulse Kataller Toyama
8 Aug 2013Loan

Honours

Emperor Cup

Runner-up

Japan · 1× (2019/2020)

J2 League

Runner-up

Japan · 1× (2016)

J-League Cup

Runner-up

Japan · 1× (2012)

Competitions

AFC Champions League Elite· World

Recent form

vs Nagoya Grampus

J1 League · 2–1

90'7.0

vs Urawa

J1 League · 1–0

13'6.7

@ Kawasaki Frontale

J1 League · 1–1

vs Tokyo Verdy

J1 League · 0–0

86'7.2

@ JEF United Chiba

J1 League · 2–0

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Machida Zelvia	24	1	0	6.71
2024	Machida Zelvia	31	3	1	7.01
2023	Shimizu S-pulse	39	4	0	—
2022	Shimizu S-pulse	35	3	1	6.87
2021	Kashima	23	4	1	6.69

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

204

Fouls

← All World Cup stars