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. Watanabe

Japan

Japan29 yrs

Age

176 cm

Height

70 kg

Weight

Midfield — centre

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Urawa

2024–2025

72 apps⚽ 14

FC Tokyo

2021–2023

91 apps⚽ 13

Career transfers

FC Tokyo Urawa
22 Jan 2024
Montedio Yamagata FC Tokyo
9 Jan 2021
Albirex Niigata Montedio Yamagata
7 Jan 2020Free transfer
Montedio Yamagata Montedio Yamagata
7 Jan 2020Free transfer
FC Ingolstadt 04 Albirex Niigata
8 Jul 2018Free transfer

Injury record

Inactive

Feb 2025 – Mar 2025

Competitions

J1 League· Japan

J-League Cup· Japan

Emperor Cup· Japan

FIFA Club World Cup· World

Recent form

vs Fagiano Okayama

J1 League · 0–2

81'6.6

@ Fagiano Okayama

J1 League · 1–1

33'6.3

@ Machida Zelvia

J1 League · 0–1

90'7.3

vs FC Tokyo

J1 League · 0–0

90'7.0

@ Mito Hollyhock

J1 League · 4–1

90'6.3

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Urawa	32	8	3	7.08
2024	Urawa	40	6	3	7.15
2023	FC Tokyo	34	4	3	6.81
2022	FC Tokyo	37	7	2	6.95
2021	FC Tokyo	20	2	1	6.84

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

140

Fouls

← All World Cup stars