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. Niekawa

Japan

Japan31 yrs

Age

195 cm

Height

90 kg

Weight

Goalkeeper

Typical role

Japan

Nationality

Career clubs

Urawa

2022–2025

13 apps

Mito Hollyhock

2021

40 apps

Career transfers

Mito Hollyhock Urawa
9 Jan 2022Free transfer
Jubilo Iwata Azul Claro Numazu
1 Feb 2019Free transfer
Azul Claro Numazu Jubilo Iwata
1 Feb 2019
Jubilo Iwata Azul Claro Numazu
2 Feb 2018Loan
Thespakusatsu Gunma Jubilo Iwata
1 Feb 2018
Jubilo Iwata Thespakusatsu Gunma
1 Feb 2017Loan
Sagan Tosu Jubilo Iwata
31 Jan 2017
Jubilo Iwata Sagan Tosu
9 Jan 2016Loan

Competitions

AFC Champions League Elite· World

Friendlies Clubs· World

Recent form

vs Fagiano Okayama

J1 League · 0–2

@ Fagiano Okayama

J1 League · 1–1

@ Machida Zelvia

J1 League · 0–1

vs FC Tokyo

J1 League · 0–0

@ Mito Hollyhock

J1 League · 4–1

Season by season

Season	Team	Apps	Rating
2025	Urawa	3	6.73
2024	Urawa	5	7.23
2023	Urawa	3	—
2022	Urawa	2	6.20
2021	Mito Hollyhock	40	—

← All World Cup stars