Japan captain Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a persistent leg injury and has simultaneously announced his retirement from international football, Reuters and BBC News confirmed on Friday. The sudden decision by the 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder comes just three days before the Blue Samurai are scheduled to face the Netherlands in their Group F opening match. Despite undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program at the pre-World Cup training camp in Mexico, the veteran midfielder failed to regain full match fitness. Defender Ko Itakura has been officially named the new captain to lead the squad, while Borussia Monchengladbach player Shuto Machino has been called up as a late replacement.
Expressing his profound disappointment over missing the global tournament, Wataru Endo shared an emotional farewell message on social media to connect with his supporters. He stated that he had exhausted every possible recovery option since sustaining the injury and therefore harbors no personal regrets regarding his ultimate choice. However, the prominent midfielder acknowledged that the inability to represent his nation on the world stage remains a deeply painful reality. He emphasized his immense pride in leading the national team since the previous tournament and lifting their collective ambitions to a level where they could realistically challenge the world`s best teams.
The physical troubles for the experienced midfielder began in February when he sustained a severe leg injury while playing for Liverpool against Sunderland, effectively concluding his club season prematurely. Following months of targeted medical treatment, he made a brief international return during a friendly match against Iceland in Tokyo on May 31, which Japan won 1-0. However, he experienced acute discomfort after the first half, preventing him from participating in any high-intensity training sessions during the subsequent camp. When the Japanese delegation arrived at their main base in Nashville on Monday, evaluations confirmed he lacked the physical readiness for World Cup intensity, prompting his decision to retire after scoring 4 goals in 73 international appearances.
What remains unclear is how manager Hajime Moriyasu will restructure his tactical formations following this series of devastating injuries to his core starting lineup. The unexpected departure of Wataru Endo severely damages Japan`s competitive prospects, compounding the existing selection dilemmas confronting the coaching staff before the tournament begins. Just one week prior to the official squad announcement, Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma was completely ruled out of the tournament due to a severe hamstring injury. This massive blow followed the earlier loss of Monaco forward Takumi Minamino, whose World Cup aspirations were shattered in December by a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Losing three of their most influential European-based stars presents a monumental psychological and tactical challenge for Japan as they prepare to navigate a difficult group featuring the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden. Newly appointed captain Ko Itakura has embraced the leadership responsibilities, affirming his readiness to guide the younger players with maximum determination and resilience. He noted that Wataru Endo was the true spiritual leader of the squad, and his sudden absence leaves a deep emotional void that the entire team must work collectively to overcome. Japanese football fans worldwide are now looking toward this transitioning squad, hoping the remaining players can transform this adversity into motivation on the pitch.
