AAP Soccer

Japan lose veteran in massive World Cup setback

By AAP Newswire

Jun 12, 2026

Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the country's World Cup squad due to a foot injury in a massive blow for the Samurai Blue.

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Then moments later, the Liverpool midfielder announced his surprise retirement from international duty.

The 33-year-old posted his decision on his X account in Japanese three days before his team's Group F opener against the Netherlands. The Japan team has been training in Nashville, Tennessee.

"Since getting injured and up till this point, I've done everything I could and I have no regret," said Endo, who underwent surgery on his left foot in February.

He came off at halftime on his return in Japan's 1-0 warmup match victory against Iceland on May 31 in Tokyo.

"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."

National team director Masakuni Yamamoto said Ajax defender Ko Itakura has been named the new captain, while Borussia Monchengladbach forward Shuto Machino has been called up as a replacement for Endo.