Japan have suffered a major blow ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after captain Wataru Endo withdrew from the tournament due to a foot injury before announcing his retirement from international football.
The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder revealed his decision through his X account just three days before Japan’s opening Group F clash against the Netherlands.
Endo had undergone surgery on his left foot in February and returned to action in a warm-up match against Iceland in Tokyo on May 31. However, he was unable to regain full fitness in time for football’s biggest tournament.
In an emotional statement, Endo said he had done everything possible to recover from the injury but ultimately fell short of being ready for the World Cup.
“From the moment I got injured until now, I have done everything I could and I have no regrets,” he said.
The midfielder admitted he was deeply disappointed to miss the tournament but expressed pride in having captained Japan and helped build a squad he believes has enormous potential for the future.
He also urged supporters to continue backing the Samurai Blue throughout their World Cup campaign, despite his absence from the team.
Endo ended his statement by expressing confidence in Japan’s ability to achieve success on the global stage, adding that he would now support the national team as a fan.
Meanwhile, the Japan Football Association confirmed that Ajax defender Ko Itakura has been appointed as the new captain. Borussia Monchengladbach forward Shuto Machino has been called up as Endo’s replacement.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu made the final decision based on recommendations from the medical team, according to national team director Masakuni Yamamoto.
Itakura described Endo’s withdrawal as a significant loss for the squad but insisted team morale remains strong as Japan prepares to begin its World Cup journey. The unexpected retirement marks the end of an era for one of Japan’s most influential players, whose leadership has been instrumental in the team’s recent success.
