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.

N. Sakai

Japan

Japan33 yrs

Age

180 cm cm

Height

80 kg kg

Weight

Forward — left

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Sagan Tosu

2021–2025

38 apps⚽ 8

Nagoya Grampus

2022–2024

57 apps⚽ 7

Renofa Yamaguchi

2024

10 apps⚽ 2

Career transfers

Nagoya Grampus Sagan Tosu
31 Jan 2025Free transfer
Renofa Yamaguchi Nagoya Grampus
30 Jan 2025Return from loan
Nagoya Grampus Sagan Tosu
20 Jan 2025Transfer
Renofa Yamaguchi Nagoya Grampus
1 Jan 2025
Nagoya Grampus Renofa Yamaguchi
8 Jul 2024Loan
Sagan Tosu Nagoya Grampus
9 Jan 2022Free transfer
Omiya Ardija Sagan Tosu
9 Jan 2021Free transfer
Albirex Niigata Omiya Ardija
7 Jan 2018
Fagiano Okayama Albirex Niigata
1 Feb 2017
Albirex Niigata Fagiano Okayama
1 Jul 2016Loan
Avispa Fukuoka Albirex Niigata
1 Jan 2016
Albirex Niigata Avispa Fukuoka
1 Feb 2014Loan

Competitions

Friendlies Clubs· World

Recent form

vs Urawa

J1 League · 0–1

13'6.3

@ Consadole Sapporo

J1 League · 2–1

26'6.9

@ Albirex Niigata

J1 League · 0–1

12'6.3

@ Urawa

J1 League · 0–1

45'6.5

vs Kashima

J1 League · 1–0

13'6.3

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Sagan Tosu	4	0	0	—
2024	Renofa Yamaguchi	15	2	0	6.43
2023	Nagoya Grampus	28	4	0	6.33
2022	Nagoya Grampus	24	3	0	6.56
2021	Sagan Tosu	34	8	2	6.85

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls

← All World Cup stars