Japan captain Wataru Endo withdraws from World Cup with injury and announces international retirement
The Liverpool midfielder's foot injury, first suffered in February, has forced him out of the tournament three days before Japan's opener against the Netherlands.
Injury and squad removal
Endo first suffered ligament damage in his foot during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland on 11 February. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the club season. He returned to light training and managed 45 minutes in Japan's 1-0 friendly win over Iceland on 31 May, but was substituted after feeling discomfort. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu had initially believed the injury could be managed through the opening phase of the World Cup, but after two weeks in camp it became clear the midfielder would not be fit in time. The Japan Football Association announced his withdrawal on 11 June, just three days before the team's first match.
Endo announces international retirement
Endo used the same social media post to confirm his international retirement at the age of 33. He expressed frustration at missing the tournament but said he was proud of the progress the side has made since the 2022 World Cup. He added that he would now support Japan "as one of the fans" and predicted that a day will come when the country wins the World Cup.Since my injury, I've done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever.
Squad adjustments and captaincy
With Endo out, the JFA replaced him with Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Shuto Machino, an extra forward rather than a direct midfield replacement. Ajax centre-back Ko Itakura has been named the new captain. Japan were already without winger Kaoru Mitoma through injury and were unable to call on Takumi Minamino, who did not recover from an ACL tear. Central midfield now looks thin; Sporting CP's Hidemasa Morita was not selected in the original squad, and the coaching staff opted not to recall him after Endo's withdrawal.
Group F outlook
Japan start their campaign against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas, on 14 June. They then face Tunisia on 21 June and Sweden on 25 June. The Samurai Blue have reached the round of 16 at the last two World Cups and are aiming to go further this time. They arrive in good form after a 1-0 friendly win over England at Wembley in March.
Timeline of Endo's final weeks
- Endo suffers ligament damage in foot during Liverpool vs Sunderland
- Plays 45 minutes in Japan friendly vs Iceland, feels discomfort
- JFA withdraws Endo from squad; Endo announces international retirement
- Japan begin World Cup campaign vs Netherlands in Arlington
