**Japan’s Wataru Endo Retires After Injury Ends World Cup 2026 Dream**
Japan’s national football team captain, Wataru Endo, has announced his retirement from international football following an injury that has ruled him out of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This announcement comes just three days before Japan's opening match against the Netherlands, marking a significant moment for both the player and the team.
Endo, who plays as a midfielder for Liverpool, has been struggling with a foot injury that he initially sustained during a match against Sunderland in February. Although he made a brief return to the field for Japan in a friendly match against Iceland on May 31, he continued to experience discomfort during Japan's pre-World Cup training camp in Mexico. Despite his efforts to recover, he was unable to participate fully in training sessions and ultimately could not regain the necessary fitness in time for the tournament.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Endo expressed his frustration at not being able to represent his country on such a prestigious stage. He stated, “I’ve done everything in my power since I sustained the injury, so I have no regrets. Of course, I’m frustrated that I can’t play at this World Cup. 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.”
Endo's retirement from international football comes as he reflects on his journey with the national team. Since making his debut in 2015, he has earned 73 caps and scored four goals. He was part of Japan's squads in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, where he played a pivotal role in Japan's memorable victories over Germany and Spain in Qatar.
In light of his departure, Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Shuto Machino has been called up to replace Endo in Japan's squad. Endo has expressed his confidence in the team, urging fans to support Japan's aspirations in Group F, where they will also face Tunisia and Sweden. He stated, “There will definitely come a time in the future when Japan wins the World Cup, so let’s believe in that and support the team. Let’s bring the strength of Japan together so that that moment can happen at this tournament in North America.”
As Japan prepares for their World Cup journey, the absence of Wataru Endo will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the pitch. His leadership and experience have been integral to the team's development, and his retirement marks the end of an era for the national squad. Fans and teammates alike will remember Endo not only for his contributions on the field but also for his dedication and passion for representing Japan.