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.

G. Kawanami

Japan

Japan34 yrs

Age

192 cm

Height

89 kg

Weight

Goalkeeper

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Sanfrecce Hiroshima

2021–2025

13 apps

Fagiano Okayama

2025

2 apps

Career transfers

Sanfrecce Hiroshima Fagiano Okayama
6 Jun 2025Transfer
Sanfrecce Hiroshima Fagiano Okayama
4 Jun 2025Transfer
Vegalta Sendai Sanfrecce Hiroshima
9 Jan 2021Free transfer
Albirex Niigata Vegalta Sendai
1 Jan 2018Free transfer
Tokushima Vortis Albirex Niigata
1 Jan 2015
Kashiwa Reysol Tokushima Vortis
1 Jan 2013
FC Gifu Kashiwa Reysol
1 Jan 2012
Kashiwa Reysol FC Gifu
20 Jun 2011Loan

Competitions

J-League Cup· Japan

J1 League· Japan

Emperor Cup· Japan

AFC Champions League Two· World

Recent form

vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima

J1 League · 1–0

@ Sanfrecce Hiroshima

J1 League · 1–1

@ Avispa Fukuoka

J1 League · 1–1

vs Urawa

J1 League · 0–1

@ FC Tokyo

J1 League · 1–3

90'5.5

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Rating
2025	Fagiano Okayama	2	5.75
2024	Sanfrecce Hiroshima	5	—
2023	Sanfrecce Hiroshima	3	—
2022	Sanfrecce Hiroshima	5	6.30
2021	Sanfrecce Hiroshima	0	—

← All World Cup stars