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.

Rafael Carioca

Brazil

Brazil36 yrs

Age

179 cm cm

Height

72 kg kg

Weight

Midfield

Typical role

Brazil

Nationality

Career clubs

Tigres UANL

2021–2025

169 apps⚽ 1

Career transfers

Tigres UANLRafael Carioca
29 Jun 2025Free transfer
Atletico-MG Tigres UANL
17 Aug 2017
Spartak Moscow Atletico-MG
12 Aug 2014Loan
Vasco DA Gama Spartak Moscow
1 Feb 2011
Spartak Moscow Vasco DA Gama
12 Jan 2010Loan
Gremio Spartak Moscow
1 Jan 2009Transfer

Injury record

Thigh Injury

Jan 2025

Illness

Nov 2023

Ankle Injury

May 2011 – Jun 2011

Competitions

Liga MX· Mexico

CONCACAF Champions League· World

Leagues Cup· World

Campeones Cup· World

Recent form

@ Toluca

Liga MX · 0–3

vs Toluca

Liga MX · 1–1

45'6.3

vs Necaxa

Liga MX · 2–2

vs Cruz Azul

CONCACAF Champions League · 1–1

16'6.6

vs U.N.A.M. - Pumas

Liga MX · 2–1

15'6.7

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2025	Tigres UANL	6	0	1	7.07
2024	Tigres UANL	32	0	2	7.00
2023	Tigres UANL	49	1	5	7.05
2022	Tigres UANL	41	0	2	6.92
2021	Tigres UANL	41	0	1	6.94

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

299

Fouls

← All World Cup stars