Wataru Endo Decides to Retire Internationally

The Japanese national team received a strong shock during its participation in the 2026 World Cup, after it was confirmed that its captain Wataru Endo would be absent from the team's roster due to injury, a step representing a significant loss for the team during the tournament.

The Japanese 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 instead.

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

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

The former Japan captain added that he feels sad for 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 coming period.