Japan have suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after captain Wataru Endo withdrew from the tournament and announced his retirement from international football just days before their opening match against the Netherlands.
The Liverpool midfielder’s departure is another significant blow for the Samurai Blue, who had already lost key attackers Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino to injury before naming their final squad for the tournament.
Endo had been included in Japan’s 26-man squad despite struggling with a foot injury sustained while on club duty with Liverpool in February.
However, concerns over his fitness resurfaced after he played only the first half of Japan’s warm-up friendly against Iceland on May 31 before being substituted after experiencing discomfort.
At the time, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said: “According to the medical reports, there is nothing to say he can’t play.
“So we just believe, pray and wait.”
With Japan preparing to face the Netherlands in their Group F opener in Arlington, the decision was eventually taken to withdraw Endo from the squad.
Borussia Mönchengladbach forward Shūto Machino has been called up as his replacement.
Confirming the decision on social media, Endo also announced the end of his international career.
He said: “As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad.
“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.
“The current team is truly a wonderful team.
“I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we’ve never seen before.”
The 33-year-old added that the tournament would mark the end of his journey with the national team.
Endo said: “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 some day. 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.”
Endo leaves the national team with 73 caps and four goals since making his debut in 2015. He became Japan captain following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
His retirement comes barely weeks after former captain Maya Yoshida effectively said farewell to the national team during the friendly win over Iceland.
Japan are now expected to turn to Ajax defender Kō Itakura for leadership duties, although Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Dōan have also worn the captain’s armband over the past year.
After facing the Netherlands in their opening game, Japan will take on Tunisia before concluding their Group F campaign against Sweden on June 25.
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