Japan captain Wataru Endo withdraws from World Cup squad, retires

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Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from Japan’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to recover from a lingering foot injury, while also announcing his retirement from international football.

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The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder had been battling to regain fitness since suffering a serious foot injury during a Premier League match against Sunderland in February. The setback ruled him out for the remainder of Liverpool’s domestic campaign, forcing him to spend the closing months of the season in rehabilitation.

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Despite concerns over his fitness, Endo was included in Japan’s preliminary World Cup squad and returned to Liverpool’s matchday squad as an unused substitute in the club’s 1-1 draw against Brentford on the final day of the season. However, after linking up with Japan’s camp in Nashville, Tennessee, medical assessments confirmed he was not fit enough to take part in the tournament.

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In a major blow for the Samurai Blue, Endo also revealed that his withdrawal from the World Cup would mark the end of his international career.

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Confirming his decision, Endo said: “As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad. Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever. Of course, there’s frustration at not being able to participate in this World Cup, but more than that, I’m proud of how we’ve grown together since the Qatar World Cup – me as captain, leading this team and turning our goal of ‘winning the World Cup’ into something we can say as a matter of course.”

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While disappointed to miss the global tournament, the midfielder expressed confidence in Japan’s chances and urged supporters to rally behind the team.

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“The current team is truly a wonderful team. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we’ve never seen before. With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team. So from here on, I’ll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans. The moment when the Japan national team wins the World Cup will surely come someday. Let’s believe in that and cheer them on together. And let’s unite Japan’s strength as one so that moment comes in this tournament – everyone, let’s take on the North and Central America World Cup together!! Everyone, give it everything you’ve got,” he added.

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Following Endo’s withdrawal, Japan’s coaching staff moved swiftly to name a replacement, calling up Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Shuto Machino to the 26-man squad. Although Machino offers fresh options in midfield, Endo’s absence leaves Japan without one of its most experienced players and on-field leaders.

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Endo earned 73 caps for Japan and played a key role in the national team’s recent successes. He featured in four matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Japan reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by Croatia in a penalty shootout.

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Japan will compete in Group F at the 2026 World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia as they seek to make a deep run in the tournament without their captain.

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