Japan’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations have suffered a major setback after captain Wataru Endo withdrew from the squad just three days before their opening Group F match against the Netherlands.
The Liverpool midfielder has also confirmed his immediate retirement from international football at the age of 33, bringing an end to a decade-long Samurai Blue career.
Endo had been battling a foot injury suffered during club duty with Liverpool since late February.
Despite requiring surgery, he was initially included in Japan’s 26-man World Cup squad after showing signs of recovery.
However, concerns increased after he played only the first half of Japan’s warm-up friendly against Iceland on May 31 before leaving the pitch after feeling discomfort.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu had remained hopeful at the time.
“According to the medical reports, there is nothing to say he can’t play. So we just believe, pray and wait,” Moriyasu said.
But with Japan’s World Cup opener against the Netherlands approaching, the decision was eventually made to remove Endo from the squad and replace him with Borussia Monchengladbach striker Shuto Machino.
Confirming his decision on social media, Endo admitted his disappointment but reflected proudly on his journey as Japan captain.
“As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad,” Endo wrote on social media.
“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.”
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 finishes his Samurai Blue career with 73 appearances and four goals after making his international debut in 2015.
He became Japan captain following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
His departure means Japan have now lost two captains in just over a week, following the farewell appearance of former skipper Maya Yoshida during the friendly victory over Iceland.
Ajax defender Ko Itakura is expected to take over leadership duties, although players including Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan have also worn the armband recently.
Japan begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands before facing Tunisia and Sweden in the remaining Group F fixtures.
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