Wataru Endo Absent from the 2026 World Cup due to Injury, Announces Retirement from the Japan National Team

Wataru Endo decided to retire from the Japan National Team, not participating in the 2026 World Cup (Instagram/@endowataru).

JAKARTA - Japan's preparations for the 2026 World Cup were shaken by the sudden resignation of captain Wataru Endo - just three days before they began the Group F campaign against the Netherlands in Arlington, Monday, June 15, 2026, early morning WIB.

Furthermore, the Liverpool midfielder - at the age of 33 - also announced his retirement from international football.

Since the end of February 2026, Endo has been struggling with a foot injury suffered while defending Liverpool and needing surgery.

Initially, he seemed as if he had recovered enough when his name was included in the list of 26 Blue Samurai players. Meanwhile, the absence of other injured stars, such as Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino, was confirmed.

However, speculation soon arose regarding his condition after he only played half a half in a warm-up friendly against Iceland on May 31, 2026 before being replaced because he felt uncomfortable.

"According to the medical report, no one said he couldn't play. So, we just believe, pray, and wait," Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu said at the time.

However, with Japan just days away from what is - at least on paper - their toughest assignment in Group F against the Netherlands, the decision has been made to axe Endo and replace him with Borussia Monchengladbach striker Shuto Machino - who is no like-for-like replacement.

"As announced, I will step down from the 2026 World Cup squad. Of course, there is frustration for not being able to participate in this 2026 World Cup."

"But more than that, I'm proud of how we've grown together since the 2022 World Cup - me as captain, leading this team and turning our goal of winning the World Cup into something we can say is normal."

"This team is really an amazing team right now. I believe they will overcome all difficulties and show us a view we have never seen before."

"With this campaign, I will retire from the Japan National Team. So, from now on, I will support the Japan National Team as one of the fans."

"The moment when the Japanese national team wins the World Cup will surely come one day. Let's believe and support them together."

"Let's unite the power of Japan so that the moment comes in this tournament - all, let's face the 2026 World Cup together! All, give your best," Endo wrote on social media.

Endo left the international stage with 73 appearances and four goals since his debut with the Samurai Blue in 2015. He has been captain since after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Endo's retirement from Japan's national team also means that the Blue Samurai have now said goodbye to two captains in just over a week.

The friendly win over Iceland in late May 2026 also marked the farewell for LA Galaxy mainstay and Endo's predecessor, Maya Yoshida, who is technically not retired from international football, but has hardly been involved with the Japan national team after the 2022 World Cup.

It has been suggested that Ajax centre-back Ko Itakura will take the armband, although forwards Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan have also worn the captain's armband for around the last 12 months.

After the opening match against the Netherlands, Japan will meet Tunisia six days later before concluding their Group F campaign against Sweden on June 26, 2026 WIB.