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. Matsuda

Japan

Japan34 yrs

Age

171 cm

Height

69 kg

Weight

Defence

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Vissel Kobe

2023–2025

24 apps

BG Pathum United

2025

10 apps

Gamba Osaka

2024

14 apps

Ventforet Kofu

2023–2024

12 apps

Cerezo Osaka

2021–2023

99 apps⚽ 1

Career transfers

Vissel Kobe BG Pathum United
31 Dec 2025Free transfer
Gamba Osaka Vissel Kobe
5 Feb 2025Free transfer
Gamba Osaka Vissel Kobe
3 Feb 2025Free transfer
Cerezo Osaka Gamba Osaka
22 Jan 2024
Cerezo Osaka Ventforet Kofu
16 Aug 2023Loan
FC Tokyo Cerezo Osaka
1 Feb 2016

Honours

Super Cup

Winner

Japan · 2× (2025, 2018)

Emperor Cup

Winner

Japan · 2× (2024, 2017/2018)

J-League Cup

Winner

Japan · 3× (2022, 2021, 2017)

Competitions

J1 League· Japan

J-League Cup· Japan

J2/J3 League· Japan

Thai League 1· Thailand

Super Cup· Japan

Emperor Cup· Japan

AFC Champions League Elite· World

Friendlies Clubs· World

Recent form

@ Muangthong United

Thai League 1 · 1–1

33'6.0

vs Nakhon Ratchasima FC

Thai League 1 · 1–0

59'6.9

@ Kanchanaburi

Thai League 1 · 2–0

vs Ratchaburi

Thai League 1 · 2–2

🅰 165'6.6

@ Rayong FC

Thai League 1 · 1–1

73'6.3

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Vissel Kobe	23	0	2	6.59
2024	Gamba Osaka	16	0	0	6.53
2023	Ventforet Kofu	29	0	1	6.63
2022	Cerezo Osaka	44	0	1	6.91
2021	Cerezo Osaka	47	1	5	6.87

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

226

Fouls

← All World Cup stars