When Japan takes the field at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it will be without statesman Wataru Endo.
While Endo was named in the squad as skipper, he suffered a foot injury that ruled him out of the tournament. Following his withdrawal, the 33-year-old announced his international retirement.
Endo, a veteran with 73 caps and four goals, made his senior debut in 2015 and was part of Japan’s 2018 and 2022 World Cup squads.
Endo has made a name for himself in Germany and England, playing for Stuttgart and Liverpool, where he won the Premier League in 2024-2025.
Japan is in group F with the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia.
Published on June 15, 2026
