Full Breakdown
Japan’s Captain Wataru Endo Withdraws Ahead of Group F Opener vs. Netherlands
6/12/2026, 11:10:42 AM
Withdrawal
Japan’s 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder and captain Wataru Endo announced on June 11 that he will not travel to the 2026 World Cup after a lingering foot injury forced his retirement from international football. The decision arrived less than 72 hours before Japan’s Group F debut against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas.
Background
Endo earned 73 caps, four goals and captained Japan since 2023. He helped Japan reach the round of 16 in 2018 and 2022 and win friendlies over Germany, Spain and England. Japan entered the tournament on a six-match winning streak.
Timeline
Endo suffered a Lisfrank ligament injury in February, had surgery, returned for a half-hour in the May 31 friendly, trained briefly in Nashville on June 8, and announced his withdrawal on June 11.
Impact
Losing a captain and midfielder days before the opener creates a leadership vacuum and forces a tactical shift. Replacement striker Shuto Machino cannot replicate Endo’s midfield role, and the squad also lacks Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino, raising depth concerns against a Dutch side ranked seventh and unbeaten in its last 12 World Cup matches.
Official Statements
The Japan Football Association confirmed Endo’s withdrawal and named Ko Itakura captain. Endo’s X post voiced frustration and pride, saying he will now support Japan as a fan. Coach Hajime Moriyasu had earlier called the medical reports ‘positive.’ Dutch coach Ronald Koeman said the squad is ‘physically OK,’ and captain Virgil van Dijk said the team will focus on Japan.
Criticism
Analysts note Japan’s midfield depth is thin and doubt a striker can cover the defensive gap. The loss of two senior leaders is called a major blow to morale.
Conflicts
Some outlets call the injury a generic foot problem, others a Lisfrank ligament tear. Endo’s post frames the exit as personal, while the federation’s notice suggests a federation-driven decision. Verbruggen’s fitness remains uncertain, with only a day-by-day update from Koeman.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have decided to retire from the national team. From now on, I will be supporting Japan as just another fan.” — Wataru Endo, X post
- “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, X post
- “We've analyzed the team and the players," Koeman said.” — Ronald Koeman, pre-match briefing
- “How far can we go? Yeah, hopefully all the way,” — Virgil van Dijk, press conference
What’s Next
Japan will line up Shuto Machino and captain Ko Itakura against the Netherlands on June 14. The Dutch will confirm their goalkeeper after Verbruggen’s assessment. The result will decide Japan’s chances of advancing from Group F.
