Japan’s World Cup preparations have been dealt a devastating blow. Just three days before their opening match against the Netherlands, national team captain Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a lingering foot injury. Following the heartbreaking news, the 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder officially announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on an illustrious career with the Samurai Blue.
The announcement was made by the Japan Football Association (JFA) on Thursday, June 11, sending shockwaves through the fan base and the wider footballing world.
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The Injury Battle That Ended a Dream
Endo’s race against time began in February 2026, when he sustained a severe foot injury while playing for Liverpool in a Premier League match against Sunderland. The injury, which involved torn ankle ligaments, required surgery and abruptly halted his club season, putting his World Cup aspirations in serious jeopardy.
Despite an arduous rehabilitation process, Endo miraculously returned to the pitch on May 31 for Japan’s 1-0 friendly warmup victory over Iceland in Tokyo. However, he was substituted at half-time and continued to experience significant discomfort. During Japan’s pre-World Cup camp in Mexico, Endo was unable to participate in full training sessions. Even after the team relocated to their official base in Nashville, Tennessee, the midfielder could not get up to match speed, forcing him to make the agonizing decision to withdraw.
“No Regrets”: A Captain’s Farewell
Shortly after the JFA confirmed his withdrawal from the squad, Endo took to his social media platforms to address the fans directly. In an emotional but defiant statement, he confirmed his immediate retirement from international duty.
“As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad. Since getting injured and up till this point, I’ve done everything I possibly could, so I have no regrets whatsoever,” Endo wrote in Japanese.
“Of course, I’m frustrated that I can’t play at this World Cup. But more than that, I’m proud that I’ve been able to captain this team since the Qatar World Cup and help it grow into a group where it feels natural to say our target is to win the World Cup.”
Looking to the future, he added: “With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team. From now on, I will be supporting Japan as just another fan. There will definitely come a time in the future when Japan win the World Cup. Let’s bring the strength of Japan together so that that moment can happen at this tournament in North America.”
A Stellar International Career
Endo made his debut for the senior national team in 2015 and quickly established himself as an indispensable presence in the heart of Japan’s midfield. Known for his tactical intelligence, relentless work rate, and composed leadership, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy.
He was a pivotal figure in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cup squads. During the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Endo played an instrumental role in Japan’s historic and stunning victories over European heavyweights Germany and Spain, cementing his status as a national hero.
Wataru Endo: International Career at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| National Team | Japan (Samurai Blue) |
| Debut Year | 2015 |
| Total Caps | 73 |
| Total Goals | 4 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2018, 2022 |
| Final Status | Retired (June 2026) |
Impact on Japan’s World Cup Campaign
Endo’s departure compounds an already challenging situation for manager Hajime Moriyasu. The Samurai Blue arrived in North America plagued by a string of high-profile injuries. Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma was excluded from the squad less than a week before the final selection due to a hamstring injury, while Monaco’s Takumi Minamino was entirely ruled out after tearing his ACL in December.
National team director Masakuni Yamamoto confirmed that Ajax defender Ko Itakura has been appointed as the new captain to lead Japan through the tournament. Meanwhile, Borussia Monchengladbach forward Shuto Machino has been officially called up as Endo’s replacement in the 26-man squad.
“Wataru is the one who will feel the most frustration at this,” newly appointed captain Itakura told the press. “He has been a real leader for this team. I want to accept this role with a sense of responsibility and determination.”
Japan is placed in Group F and will need to navigate a tricky set of fixtures without their seasoned commander to marshal the midfield.
Japan’s Group F Schedule (2026 World Cup)
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| June 14, 2026 | Netherlands | Dallas, Texas |
| June 19, 2026 | Tunisia | Houston, Texas |
| June 24, 2026 | Sweden | Kansas City, Missouri |
As the Samurai Blue step onto the pitch in Dallas to begin their World Cup journey, they will be playing not just for their country, but for the captain who fought so valiantly to be there with them.
Read More: Thomas Partey Denied Entry to Canada: Ghana Star Ruled Out of World Cup 2026 Opener Against Panama
FAQs
Why did Wataru Endo withdraw from the 2026 World Cup?
Wataru Endo withdrew because he failed to recover sufficiently from a severe foot injury sustained while playing for Liverpool against Sunderland in February 2026.
Who is replacing Wataru Endo in the Japan squad?
Borussia Monchengladbach forward Shuto Machino has been called up by the Japan Football Association to replace Endo in the 26-man roster.
Who will captain Japan in Endo’s absence?
Ajax defender Ko Itakura has been appointed as the new captain of the Japanese national team for the 2026 World Cup.
How many caps did Wataru Endo earn for Japan?
Endo retires from international football having earned 73 caps and scored four goals for Japan since making his senior debut in 2015.
Which teams are in Japan’s group at the 2026 World Cup?
Japan is drawn in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden. They play their opening match against the Netherlands on June 14 in Dallas.
