Story perspectives

Japan caps Itakura, Endo retires; Netherlands add Flekken

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Wataru Endo withdrew from Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad because of a foot injury and retired from international football.
Japan names Ko Itakura as captain, adds Shuto Machino to replace Endo, and enters on a six-match winning streak that includes Brazil and England.
The Netherlands, ranked seventh, train in Kansas City with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen’s day-to-day status, Jurrien Timber and Xavi Simons out, and Lutsharel Geertruida and Mark Flekken added.

History

Historical Context

Japan’s first World Cup in 1998 saw a 23-man squad lose all three group games and finish 31st, prompting a professional era that has produced seven World Cup appearances. Today, veteran Wataru Endo is replaced by Shuto Machino and Ko Itakura named captain, while the Netherlands train in Kansas City with Bart Verbruggen, seeking to avoid the 1998 cohesion failures.

1 of 2

Story summary

Wataru Endo withdrew from Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad because of a foot injury and retired from international football.
Japan names Ko Itakura as captain, adds Shuto Machino to replace Endo, and enters on a six-match winning streak that includes Brazil and England.
The Netherlands, ranked seventh, train in Kansas City with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen’s day-to-day status, Jurrien Timber and Xavi Simons out, and Lutsharel Geertruida and Mark Flekken added.

1 / 2