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.

A. Kawata

Japan

Japan33 yrs

Age

177 cm cm

Height

77 kg kg

Weight

Forward

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Thespakusatsu Gunma

2024–2025

27 apps⚽ 2

Sagan Tosu

2023–2024

31 apps⚽ 3

Omiya Ardija

2021–2023

64 apps⚽ 14

Tokushima Vortis

2021

23 apps⚽ 1

Career transfers

Thespakusatsu Gunma Kochi United
10 Jan 2026Free transfer
Sagan Tosu Thespakusatsu Gunma
8 Jul 2024
Omiya Ardija Sagan Tosu
28 Mar 2023
Tokushima Vortis Omiya Ardija
21 Jul 2021
Albirex Niigata Tokushima Vortis
6 Jan 2019
Albirex Niigata S Albirex Niigata
7 Jan 2017Free transfer

Competitions

Recent form

vs FC Tokyo

J1 League · 0–1

9'6.3

vs Nagoya Grampus

J1 League · 0–2

24'6.5

vs Kawasaki Frontale

J1 League · 5–2

⚽ 121'7.2

@ Jubilo Iwata

J1 League · 3–0

11'6.2

vs Kawasaki Frontale

J1 League · 0–1

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Thespakusatsu Gunma	13	2	2	7.00
2024	Thespakusatsu Gunma	21	1	0	6.53
2023	Sagan Tosu	28	2	1	6.62
2022	Omiya Ardija	41	7	0	—
2021	Omiya Ardija	42	8	0	6.50

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls

← All World Cup stars