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.

K. Kitazume

Japan

Japan33 yrs

Age

177 cm

Height

74 kg

Weight

Defence

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Shimizu S-pulse

2023–2025

83 apps⚽ 1

Kashiwa Reysol

2021–2024

26 apps

Career transfers

Kashiwa Reysol Shimizu S-pulse
9 Jan 2023
Yokohama FC Kashiwa Reysol
4 Jan 2020Free transfer
JEF United Chiba Yokohama FC
1 Jan 2018

Honours

J2 League

Winner

Japan · 2× (2024, 2019)

J-League Cup

Runner-up

Japan · 1× (2020/2021)

Injury record

Red Card

Apr 2025

Competitions

Recent form

vs Yokohama F. Marinos

J1 League · 1–1

vs Gamba Osaka

J1 League · 1–2

@ Fagiano Okayama

J1 League · 0–2

60'6.3

vs Avispa Fukuoka

J1 League · 1–1

90'6.5

vs Cerezo Osaka

J1 League · 1–1

90'6.6

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Shimizu S-pulse	23	1	1	6.68
2024	Shimizu S-pulse	31	0	0	—
2023	Shimizu S-pulse	29	0	1	6.68
2022	Kashiwa Reysol	13	0	0	6.97
2021	Kashiwa Reysol	13	0	3	6.88

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls

← All World Cup stars