Liverpool Midfielder Ruled Out Before Japan’s Opener
Japan have suffered a major setback before their opening World Cup match after captain Wataru Endo was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
The Liverpool midfielder announced his international retirement after failing to recover in time from a foot injury.
The announcement came just three days before Japan’s first Group F match against the Netherlands.
Endo had been battling fitness problems since suffering a season-ending foot injury while playing for Liverpool against Sunderland in February.
He later returned for Japan in a 1-0 friendly win over Iceland in Tokyo on May 31. However, he came off at half-time and continued to feel discomfort.
The 33-year-old travelled with Japan to their pre-World Cup camp in Mexico but was unable to take part in full training sessions.
He later trained after the squad moved to its World Cup base in Nashville, but could not regain match fitness in time.
Japan have replaced him in the squad with Borussia Monchengladbach forward Shuto Machino.
Endo Ends International Career With Emotional Message
Endo confirmed his retirement from international football through a social media statement.
He said he was frustrated not to play at the World Cup but had no regrets because he had done everything possible to recover.
The midfielder also expressed pride in captaining Japan after the Qatar World Cup and helping the team grow into a squad that openly targets global success.
Endo said he believes Japan can win the World Cup in the future.
He urged fans to support the team and bring national strength together during the tournament in North America.
Endo made his Japan debut in 2015 and ended his international career with 73 caps and four goals.
He represented Japan at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
He was also part of the team that shocked Germany and Spain in Qatar, two results that became major moments in Japan’s football history.
His retirement marks the end of an important era for Japan’s midfield and leadership group.
Ko Itakura Takes Over Captaincy
Defender Ko Itakura will now captain Japan at the World Cup.
Itakura said Endo would be the person most disappointed by the situation because of his leadership and commitment to the national team.
He added that he would accept the captaincy with responsibility and determination.
Japan enter the tournament with injury concerns across the squad.
Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma was left out after suffering a hamstring injury shortly before the squad announcement.
Monaco midfielder Takumi Minamino also missed the tournament after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in December.
Despite these setbacks, Japan will look to compete strongly in Group F against the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.
Endo’s absence will be a major loss in midfield, but his message has shifted attention toward unity and belief.
Japan now face the challenge of turning an emotional blow into motivation as their World Cup campaign begins.
