Japan Suffers a Major Blow with Wataru Endo's Absence and International Retirement

The Japanese national team received a major shock during its participation in the 2026 World Cup, after it was confirmed that its captain Wataru Endo would be absent from the squad due to injury, a move that represents a significant loss for the team during the tournament.

The Japan Football Association announced in an official statement, as reported by the media, that Endo, the Liverpool midfielder, left the team's camp participating in the World Cup due to injury, and Shuto Machino, the Borussia Monchengladbach forward, will be called up in his place.

The association also confirmed that the 33-year-old player decided to end his international career with the Japanese national team, thereby permanently missing future international participations.

Endo published a message on his social media accounts saying: "Since my injury, I have done everything I can so far, so I feel no regrets," expressing his regret for not being able to participate in the tournament.

The former Japan captain added that he feels sad about missing the World Cup, but he is proud of what the team has achieved and its development since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Endo concluded his message by announcing his international retirement, confirming that he will follow the Japanese national team as a fan only in the future.