Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury and has announced his retirement from international football just days before Japan’s tournament opener against the Netherlands.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who plays for Liverpool, had been recovering from a foot injury sustained earlier in the year. Although he returned to training in the closing weeks of the season and was included in matchday squads at club level, he ultimately failed to recover in time for the tournament.
Following his withdrawal, Endo was replaced in the squad by Shuto Machino of Borussia Mönchengladbach.
In a farewell message, Endo expressed disappointment at missing the World Cup but said he was proud of his time leading the national team. He also confirmed he would step away from international duty, ending a career in which he earned 73 caps and served as captain since the previous World Cup cycle.
He added that he would continue supporting Japan from the stands, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to progress despite his absence.