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.

Y. Takagi

Japan

Japan33 yrs

Age

168 cm

Height

66 kg

Weight

Midfield — centre

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Albirex Niigata

2021–2025

142 apps⚽ 22

BG Pathum United

2025

11 apps⚽ 1

Career transfers

Albirex Niigata BG Pathum United
2 Jan 2026Free transfer
Albirex Niigata BG Pathum United
30 Dec 2025Free transfer
Tokyo Verdy Albirex Niigata
6 Jan 2018Free transfer
Shimizu S-pulse Tokyo Verdy
1 Jul 2015
Utrecht Shimizu S-pulse
1 Jan 2014
Tokyo Verdy Utrecht
1 Jul 2011Transfer

Honours

J2 League

Winner

Japan · 1× (2022)

J-League Cup

Runner-up

Japan · 1× (2024)

Injury record

Thigh Injury

Nov 2013 – Dec 2013

Thumb / Wrist Injury

Feb 2013 – Jun 2013

Competitions

J2/J3 League· Japan

J1 League· Japan

Thai League 1· Thailand

J-League Cup· Japan

Emperor Cup· Japan

Recent form

@ Muangthong United

Thai League 1 · 1–1

45'6.7

vs Nakhon Ratchasima FC

Thai League 1 · 1–0

24'6.6

@ Kanchanaburi

Thai League 1 · 2–0

🅰 190'7.3

vs Ratchaburi

Thai League 1 · 2–2

45'7.3

@ Rayong FC

Thai League 1 · 1–1

45'6.2

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Albirex Niigata	33	1	2	6.68
2024	Albirex Niigata	22	1	3	6.83
2023	Albirex Niigata	23	2	4	6.97
2022	Albirex Niigata	33	9	0	—
2021	Albirex Niigata	42	10	0	—

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls

← All World Cup stars