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.

Defensive Midfielder

J. Álvarez

Mexico

Mexico22 yrs

Age

172 cm

Height

Defensive Midfielder

Position

Mexico

Nationality

Mexico's midfield enforcer with a commanding presence. Álvarez wins the ball and sets the tempo with calm authority.

Career clubs

FC Juarez

2024

12 apps

Club Tijuana

2023–2024

3 apps

Career transfers

Club Tijuana Dorados
31 Jul 2025Transfer
FC Juarez Club Tijuana
1 Jul 2025Return from loan
Club Tijuana Dorados
30 Jun 2025
FC Juarez Club Tijuana
29 Jun 2025Return from loan
Club Tijuana FC Juarez
2 Feb 2025Loan

Injury record

Knee Injury

Nov 2024

Competitions

Liga MX· Mexico

Leagues Cup· World

Recent form

vs U.N.A.M. - Pumas

Liga MX · 1–1

vs Necaxa

Liga MX · 2–2

@ U.N.A.M. - Pumas

Liga MX · 0–0

@ Atlas

Liga MX · 1–1

vs Puebla

Liga MX · 2–0

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Goals	Assists	Rating
2024	Club Tijuana	14	0	0	6.57
2023	Club Tijuana	1	0	0	—

Discipline

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls

Strengths

Attribute profile — pace, shooting, passing, dribbling, defending, physical.

World Cup history

2018: Group stage | 2022: Group stage | 2026: Mexico's defensive anchor at home

Career highlights

Ajax captain material
West Ham signing
Mexico's most complete midfielder

Achievements

Eredivisie Champion x3 (Ajax)CONCACAF Gold CupEuropa Conference League

← All World Cup stars