TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Japan's national team heading towards the 2026 World Cup suffered a major blow as the team's captain, Wataru Endo, withdrew from the squad just three days before their opening Group F match against the Netherlands at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 15, 2026. The 33-year-old midfielder from Liverpool also announced his retirement from the Japan National Team.
Since late February, Endo had been dealing with a foot injury sustained while playing for Liverpool and had undergone surgery. Initially, he was expected to have recovered and remained on the list of 26 Japanese players for the World Cup. At that time, Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino had already been ruled out due to injuries.
However, speculation about Endo's condition began after he played only one half of a friendly match against Iceland on May 31. He was subsequently substituted due to discomfort in his foot.
During that time, Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu stated that the medical report did not indicate any reason preventing Endo from playing. "According to the medical reports, there is nothing to say he can't play. So we just believe, pray and wait," he said as quoted by ESPN.
The final decision was made to remove Endo from the squad. His position was taken by Borussia Monchengladbach forward, Shuto Machino, even though they played in different positions. "As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad," Endo wrote on social media.
"Of course, there's frustration at not being able to participate in this World Cup, but more than that, I'm proud of how we've grown together since the Qatar World Cup -- me as captain, leading this team and turning our goal of 'winning the World Cup' into something we can say as a matter of course," he explained.
"The current team is truly a wonderful team. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we've never seen before. With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team. So from here on, I'll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans."
"The moment when the Japan national team wins the World Cup will surely come some day. Let's believe in that and cheer them on together. And let's unite Japan's strength as one so that moment comes in this tournament --everyone, let's take on the North and Central America World Cup together!! Everyone, give it everything you've got," Endo concluded.
Endo concluded his international career with 73 appearances and four goals since making his debut with the Samurai Blue in 2015. He became the team captain after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Endo's retirement also means Japan lost two captains in just over a week. The friendly match victory against Iceland also served as a farewell game for LA Galaxy's veteran defender, Maya Yoshida, who preceded Endo as the team captain. Although Yoshida had not officially announced his retirement from the national team, he had barely been involved with Japan since the Qatar World Cup.
Several reports have mentioned that Ko Itakura, Ajax's central defender, may become Japan's new captain. However, Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan have also worn the captain's armband in the past year. After facing the Netherlands in the opening match of Group F, Japan will meet Tunisia six days later before closing the group stage against Sweden on June 25, 2026.
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