Wataru Endo steps away from Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad; announces retirement
The Liverpool midfielder has announced his retirement from international football.
Wataru Endo, Japan’s captain, has been forced to withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup roster. This is due to a recurring injury, and also marks the end of his international career.
The Liverpool midfielder has stated that he will leave the national squad altogether after failing to heal in time for the tournament in North America.
Wataru Endo was in a race against time since suffering a catastrophic foot injury during a Premier League match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in February.
That hit basically ended his domestic career. He spent the last months of the 2025-26 season on the sidelines while undergoing extensive rehabilitation.
When Wataru Endo was selected to Japan’s initial tournament roster, there was a ray of hope. He even returned to the Liverpool matchday squad as an unused replacement for the season-ending 1-1 draw with Brentford.
However, after meeting with his national teammates in Nashville, Tennessee, it became evident that the 33-year-old was not physically capable of participating at the highest level. It resulted in his untimely withdrawal.
Wataru Endo shocked many of his followers when he announced his withdrawal, along with his decision to retire from international football entirely.
The former VfB Stuttgart player, who served as a critical anchor in the midfield and a leader in the dressing room, admitted that his time serving his country had ended prematurely.
Wataru Endo releases statement following withdrawal from Japan squad
Endo issued an emotional remark in response to the news:
“As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad. Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever. Of course, there’s frustration at not being able to participate in this World Cup, but more than that, I’m proud of how we’ve grown together since the Qatar World Cup – me as captain, leading this team and turning our goal of ‘winning the World Cup’ into something we can say as a matter of course.”
“The current team is truly a wonderful team. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we’ve never seen before. With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team. So from here on, I’ll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans.”
“The moment when the Japan national team wins the World Cup will surely come someday. Let’s believe in that and cheer them on together. And let’s unite Japan’s strength as one so that moment comes in this tournament – everyone, let’s take on the North and Central America World Cup together!! Everyone, give it everything you’ve got.”
Which injury did Wataru Endo suffer?
Foot injury.
Why did he retire from international football?
Due to the injury.
When is Japan’s first game?
Monday, 15th June, 1:30 am IST against Netherlands.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.