Japan captain Wataru Endo retires after World Cup injury setback

Japan captain Wataru Endo announced on June 12, 2026 that he has retired from international football after a foot injury ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder said he was frustrated at missing the tournament, with Japan due to open their campaign against the Netherlands three days later.

Japan’s coaching staff named Borussia Mönchengladbach forward Shuto Machino as Endo’s replacement in the World Cup squad, officials said. In a social media message, Endo said he would support the national team “as just another fan.”

Endo said he had done everything possible to recover and had “no regrets” about his rehabilitation process. He also backed Japan to perform strongly in Group F, where they are drawn with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.

The late change removes Japan’s on-field leader just before the tournament and forces staff to adjust quickly as preparations continue for the opening match.

Foot injury ends Endo’s World Cup hopes

Endo suffered a season-ending foot injury in February while playing for Liverpool. He returned to action for Japan in a 1-0 friendly win over Iceland in Tokyo on May 31, but came off at half-time and later felt discomfort.

During Japan’s pre-World Cup camp in Mexico, Endo did not take part in any full training sessions. He later joined training after the squad moved to its World Cup base in Nashville on Monday, but he was unable to reach match fitness in time.

Japan are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands, with Tunisia and Sweden also in Group F. Machino is expected to integrate into the group as the team completes its build-up to the group-stage opener.

Endo retires with 73 caps as Japan reshapes leadership

Endo made his Japan debut in 2015 and ends his international career with 73 caps and four goals. He was selected for Japan’s World Cup squads in 2018 and 2022, and played in their wins over Germany and Spain at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Endo said he was proud to have captained the team since the Qatar World Cup and to have helped shape a group that openly targets winning the World Cup. His retirement closes a national-team chapter that spanned more than a decade and two World Cup cycles.

Japan now head into the tournament without their captain, with attention turning to leadership options inside the squad and how quickly the team can settle following the late change.