Full Breakdown
Japan Captain Wataru Endo Withdraws from 2026 World Cup and Retires from International Football
6/12/2026, 6:28:37 AM
Japan’s Captain Withdraws from the Tournament
The Japan Football Association announced on 11 June 2026 that captain Wataru Endo was removed from the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup because his left-foot injury had not healed sufficiently. Endo, a 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder, simultaneously confirmed his retirement from international duty via his X account.
Background & Context
Endo sustained the injury while playing for Liverpool against Sunderland in February 2026. He underwent surgery on his left foot (reported as a Lisfrank injury, ankle-ligament tear, or broken foot in different sources) with the aim of returning for the World Cup. After a brief comeback in a 1-0 friendly win over Iceland on 31 May, he experienced recurring discomfort and was unable to complete full training sessions at the pre-tournament camps in Mexico and Nashville, Tennessee.
Timeline of Events
- Feb 2026: Foot injury in Liverpool match; surgery performed.
- 31 May 2026: Played first half of Japan’s friendly versus Iceland (Japan won 1-0).
- 8 June 2026: Joined Japan’s World Cup base camp in Nashville for limited training.
- 11 June 2026: JFA announces Endo’s withdrawal; Endo posts retirement statement.
- 14 June 2026: Japan’s Group F opener against the Netherlands scheduled in Dallas (other group opponents: Sweden, Tunisia).
Data & Statistics
- International caps: 73; goals: 4 (debut 2015).
- Captain since the Qatar 2022 World Cup; featured in all three group matches and the round-of-16 that year.
- Japan’s best World Cup result: round-of-16 on three occasions (including 2022).
- Replacement called up: Shuto Machino (forward, Borussia Mönchengladbach).
- New captain: Ko Itakura (defender, Ajax).
Impact on Japan’s Campaign
The loss removes a defensive midfielder who could also operate as a centre-back and deprives the squad of its longest-serving captain. Coach Hajime Moriyasu must adjust midfield balance and leadership structure just days before facing a strong Netherlands side. The change also follows the recent retirement of former captain Maya Yoshida, leaving Japan without two senior leaders in quick succession.
Official Statements & Responses
The JFA’s statement cited the medical report as the basis for Endo’s removal. National team director Masakuni Yamamoto confirmed Ko Itakura’s appointment as captain and Shuto Machino’s inclusion as replacement. Coach Moriyasu had previously expressed optimism about Endo’s fitness but later adhered to the medical recommendation to withdraw him.
Criticism & Opposition
Players expressed sorrow at the development. Defender Ko Itakura described Endo’s absence as “a significant loss in terms of team strength.” Midfielder Tsuyoshi Watanabe noted the emotional difficulty of hearing the news, while veteran Yuto Nagatomo reportedly struggled to speak after the announcement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise nature of the injury: some label it a “foot injury,” others a “ankle-ligament tear,” and a few specify a “Lisfranc injury.” The exact medical terminology remains unconfirmed in the public statements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Since getting injured and up till this point, I’ve done everything I could and I have no regret,” — Wataru Endo, captain
- “But more than that, I’m proud that I’ve been able to captain this team since the Qatar World Cup and help it grow into a group where it feels natural to say our target is to win the World Cup.” — Wataru Endo
- “There will definitely come a time in the future when Japan win the World Cup, so let’s believe in that and support the team,” — Wataru Endo
- “The fall of the excellent captain who led the team since the Qatar World Cup is a significant loss in terms of team strength. He must be the most disappointed and upset.” — Ko Itakura, defender
- “So from here on, I’ll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans.” — Wataru Endo
What’s Next
Japan will open Group F against the Netherlands on 14 June 2026, followed by matches versus Tunisia and Sweden. Ko Itakura will lead the side on the field, while Shuto Machino integrates into the squad’s attacking options. The team’s performance will indicate how effectively it adapts to the sudden leadership and midfield changes.
