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. Ochiai

Japan

Japan26 yrs

Age

175 cm

Height

72 kg

Weight

Midfield — right

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Albirex Niigata

2023–2025

6 apps

Oita Trinita

2025

0 apps

Mito Hollyhock

2024

31 apps⚽ 5

Kashiwa Reysol

2022–2024

8 apps⚽ 1

Career transfers

Oita Trinita Albirex Niigata
29 Jan 2026Return from loan
Albirex Niigata Oita Trinita
7 Aug 2025Loan
Kashiwa Reysol Albirex Niigata
31 Jan 2025Transfer
Mito Hollyhock Kashiwa Reysol
30 Jan 2025Return from loan
Kashiwa Reysol Albirex Niigata
20 Jan 2025Transfer
Kashiwa Reysol Kashiwa Reysol
1 Jan 2025
Kashiwa Reysol Mito Hollyhock
1 Jan 2024Loan

Competitions

Recent form

@ Fagiano Okayama

J1 League · 1–2

vs Tokyo Verdy

J1 League · 2–2

10'6.3

vs Cerezo Osaka

J1 League · 2–2

@ Kashima

J1 League · 1–2

13'6.7

@ Shimizu S-pulse

J1 League · 0–2

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Rating
2025	Albirex Niigata	4	0	6.50
2024	Mito Hollyhock	31	5	—
2023	Kashiwa Reysol	6	1	6.30
2022	Kashiwa Reysol	4	0	—

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls

← All World Cup stars