Japan’s Wataru Endo retires after injury ends World Cup 2026 dream | World Cup 2026 News
Japan’s Captain Wataru Endo Retires from International Football Ahead of World Cup
Japan’s national football team faced a significant setback ahead of their World Cup opener against the Netherlands. Midfielder and team captain Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the tournament due to a persistent foot injury, which has also led to his retirement from international play.
The 33-year-old Liverpool player publicly announced his decision on social media three days before Japan’s first match in Group F, where they will also contend with Tunisia and Sweden. Endo expressed frustration about his inability to participate but conveyed confidence in his team’s potential.
“There will definitely come a time in the future when Japan wins the World Cup, so let’s believe in that and support the team,” he stated on X. “Let’s bring the strength of Japan together so that that moment can happen at this tournament in North America.”
Endo’s injury dates back to a game against Sunderland in February, which ended his club season prematurely. Although he made a brief return in late May during a friendly match against Iceland, he experienced ongoing discomfort that precluded him from training fully during Japan’s pre-World Cup camp in Mexico. Upon the team’s arrival in Nashville, he resumed training but was unable to reach full fitness in time.
“I’ve done everything in my power since I sustained the injury, so I have no regrets,” Endo said. “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.”
Endo made his debut for Japan in 2015 and concluded his international career with 73 caps and four goals. He participated in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, where he was part of the team during notable victories over Germany and Spain.
Following his retirement, Shuto Machino from Borussia Monchengladbach has been named as Endo’s replacement in the squad.
