Khaberni - Japan's national team received a severe blow before embarking on their journey in the 2026 World Cup, after their captain Wataru Endo announced his withdrawal from the team roster participating in the tournament alongside his decision to retire from international football.
The captain of Japan withdraws from his national team's roster in the World Cup and announces his international retirement
The surprise decision came just two days before Japan's opening match against the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup, after the Liverpool midfielder failed to fully recover from an injury.
Endo sustained the injury during his team Liverpool's match against Sunderland on February 11, which was his last game of the season with his club.
After a period of absence, Endo returned to the field to participate in 45 minutes during a friendly preparatory match for the World Cup, which ended with his national team's 1-0 victory over Iceland, although his recovery did not progress as hoped.
Endo said today Friday on platform "X": "I will leave the lineup of the Japanese national team participating in the World Cup. Since my injury, I have done my utmost, so I feel no regrets."
He continued, "Certainly, there is a feeling of sadness for not being able to participate in this tournament, but more importantly, I am proud that, after the World Cup in Qatar, we have evolved as one team, which I have strived to achieve as a captain, and we managed to make winning the World Cup a primary goal in our discussions."
He added, "I have decided to retire internationally after this tournament. So, from now on, I will support the Japanese national team as a fan. In the future, inevitably, the day will come when the Japanese national team will win the World Cup."
He completed, "To achieve that moment in this tournament, let's unify Japan's efforts and challenge the World Cup in North and Central America together!"
Japan's national team will start its journey in the 2026 World Cup by facing the Netherlands the day after tomorrow, Sunday, as part of the Group Six competitions, before meeting Tunisia in 6 days, then concluding the group stage by facing Sweden on June 25.
