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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Sports

Captain Wataru Endo Withdraws from Japan's 2026 World Cup Squad, Retires from National Team

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Japan's captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the 2026 World Cup squad due to a persistent foot injury.
  • Endo, who also announced his retirement from the national team, had been managing the injury since February and underwent surgery.
  • His absence, along with other injured players, presents a significant challenge for Japan as they prepare for their opening match.

Japan's hopes for the 2026 World Cup have been dealt a significant blow with the withdrawal of their captain, Wataru Endo, just three days before their opening match against the Netherlands. The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder announced not only his departure from the tournament but also his retirement from the national team.

According to the medical reports, there is nothing to say he can't play. So we just believe, pray and wait.

— Hajime MoriyasuJapan's coach commenting on Wataru Endo's condition before the final decision was made.

Endo had been struggling with a foot injury sustained in February, which required surgery. Despite initial expectations that he would recover in time, his condition became a concern after he played only one half of a friendly match against Iceland on May 31 and was substituted due to discomfort. Coach Hajime Moriyasu had previously expressed cautious optimism, stating that medical reports did not prevent Endo from playing.

As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad.

— Wataru EndoEndo's statement on his withdrawal from the national team.

His place in the 26-man squad has been taken by Borussia Monchengladbach forward Shuto Machino, despite them playing different positions. Endo's departure marks the end of his international career, during which he earned 73 caps and scored four goals since his 2015 debut. He became captain after the 2022 World Cup. Japan also recently saw Maya Yoshida, a former captain, play his farewell game, highlighting a period of transition for the team's leadership.

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.

— Wataru EndoEndo reflecting on his time as captain and the team's aspirations.

In a heartfelt social media post, Endo expressed his frustration at not participating but pride in the team's growth. "The current team is truly a wonderful team. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we've never seen before," he wrote. He pledged to cheer on the team as a fan, believing that "the moment when the Japan national team wins the World Cup will surely come some day."

The current team is truly a wonderful team. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we've never seen before.

— Wataru EndoEndo expressing confidence in his teammates.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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