A huge setback for Japan ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as captain Wataru Endo has pulled out of the squad due to injury, and in an emotional announcement, the Liverpool midfielder has also confirmed his retirement from international football.

According to cbinewstv, Japan has been dealt a major blow ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with captain Wataru Endo withdrawing from the squad after failing to recover fully from a persistent foot injury.

The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder has been struggling for fitness since sustaining a serious foot injury during a Premier League clash against Sunderland in February. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of Liverpool’s domestic season, forcing him to spend the final months of the campaign focused on rehabilitation.

Despite concerns over his condition, Endo was named in Japan’s preliminary World Cup squad. He even returned to Liverpool’s matchday squad for their final league game against Brentford, although he remained an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw.

However, after joining up with Japan’s training camp in Nashville, Tennessee, medical assessments confirmed that he was not fit enough to participate in the tournament.

In an even bigger development, Endo revealed that his World Cup withdrawal would also mark the end of his international career.

Speaking about his decision, the veteran midfielder said he had done everything possible to recover from injury and had no regrets, despite the disappointment of missing football’s biggest stage.

He reflected proudly on his journey with the national team since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he served as captain and helped foster a culture in which Japan openly embraced the ambition of winning the World Cup.

While saddened by his absence, Endo expressed confidence in the current squad, describing it as a "wonderful team" capable of overcoming challenges and achieving historic success.

He also called on supporters across Japan to continue backing the Samurai Blue, saying he would now be cheering the team on as a fan and firmly believes the day will come when Japan lifts the World Cup trophy.

Following Endo’s withdrawal, Japan’s coaching staff quickly moved to fill the vacancy by calling up Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Shuto Machino to the 26-man squad.

Although Machino adds fresh energy and options to the midfield, Endo’s absence leaves Japan without one of its most experienced leaders and influential figures.

During his international career, Endo earned 73 caps for Japan and played a key role in many of the team’s recent achievements. He featured in four matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, helping Japan reach the Round of 16 before their dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat to Croatia.

Japan will now head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup without their captain as they prepare to face the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F, hoping to make a deep run in the competition despite the loss of one of their most inspirational players.

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