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World Cup 2026: Blow for Japan as Liverpool's Endo is Out
🇬🇷 Greece /Sports

World Cup 2026: Blow for Japan as Liverpool's Endo is Out

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Wataru Endo, captain of Japan's national football team, will miss the 2026 World Cup due to injury.
  • Endo announced his retirement from international football following his withdrawal from the squad.
  • Gladbach forward Suto Machino will replace Endo, who expressed pride in the team's progress despite his disappointment.

Japan's national football team faces a significant blow as captain Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to a persistent injury.

Endo, a key midfielder for both Liverpool and the Japanese national team, was forced to withdraw from the squad, ending his participation in the upcoming global tournament. The 33-year-old has reportedly struggled with injuries throughout the recent season with his club.

From the moment of my injury, I did everything I could to make it in time, so I have absolutely no regrets.

— Wataru EndoEndo explained his efforts to recover from his injury and expressed no regret.

Following his withdrawal, Endo also announced his retirement from international football. He stated that he had done everything possible to recover in time for the tournament and expressed no regrets about his efforts. The midfielder conveyed his disappointment at not being able to compete in another World Cup.

I feel proud of the journey and development of the Japanese national team after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

— Wataru EndoEndo reflected on the team's progress.

"From the moment of my injury, I did everything I could to make it in time, so I have absolutely no regrets," Endo shared in a social media post. He added that he felt proud of the journey and development of the Japanese national team since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Gladbach forward Suto Machino has been called up to replace Endo in the squad, as confirmed by the Japan Football Association. Endo concluded by stating his intention to support Japan as a fan from now on. Japan is drawn in Group F of the World Cup and is scheduled to begin its campaign against the Netherlands in Dallas on June 14.

After the end of this effort, I am retiring from the national team. From now on, I will support Japan as a simple fan.

— Wataru EndoEndo announced his retirement from international football.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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