Liverpool midfielder and Japan captain Wataru Endo has announced his retirement from international duties following a frustrating injury setback that has ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 33-year-old, who has been a cornerstone of the Samurai Blue for nearly a decade, was forced to withdraw from the squad as preparations intensified in the build-up to the tournament in North America. A persistent foot injury—which required surgery after emerging in late February 2026—prevented him from being fit in time for Japan’s campaign.
In an emotional statement shared on social media, Endo expressed gratitude for his time with the national team and reflected on the journey since the 2022 World Cup. He confirmed that this would mark the end of his international career, choosing to step away to allow the squad to focus fully on the tournament ahead.
“Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could, so I have no regrets,” Endo said in his message, adding that he would now support the team as a fan from afar.
He added: “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.”
To fill the gap left by their captain, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has called up Shuto Machino from Borussia Mönchengladbach as a direct replacement in the 26-man squad. The forward, who previously featured as a replacement for the 2022 World Cup, brings attacking options and fresh energy to the forward lines.
This development comes as a significant blow to Japan, who open their Group F campaign against the Netherlands on June 14 in Arlington (Dallas). With Ajax defender Ko Itakura stepping up as the new captain, the team will look to channel the disappointment into motivation as they aim to make a deep run in the tournament.
Endo made 73 appearances for Japan. He was part of the team that secured two historic 2–1 victories in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar over powerhouse nations Germany and Spain to top Group E. Their impressive run ultimately led them to the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by Croatia following a dramatic penalty shootout.
