en.malanginspirasi.com — Wataru Endo, Japan’s experienced captain and Liverpool midfielder, has been forced to withdraw from the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to injury.
It delivers an emotional blow to the Samurai Blue just days before their opening match.
The 33-year-old confirmed his exit on Thursday, revealing he will also retire from international duty after earning 73 caps for his country.
Endo suffered the injury in February and had been working intensely to regain fitness in time for the tournament, but ultimately fell short.In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Endo expressed pride rather than bitterness.
“Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could. I have no regrets whatsoever,” he wrote.
“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. As captain, leading this team and making ‘winning the World Cup’ a realistic goal is something we can now say as a matter of course.”
Endo praised the current squad as “a truly wonderful team” and voiced strong confidence in their ability to shine on the global stage.
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“I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we’ve never seen before,” he added.
“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.”
Meanwihle, Shuto Machino has been called up as Endo’s replacement in the squad.
Defender Ko Itakura is expected to step into the captain’s role for the tournament.Japan open their Group F campaign against the Netherlands, facing a challenging group that will test the team’s depth and resolve without their longtime leader.
Endo’s leadership has been credited with helping transform the Samurai Blue into a more ambitious and cohesive unit since the 2022 tournament.
The news comes as a significant setback for Japan, who have been building momentum and aiming to make a deeper run than in previous World Cups.
Fans and football observers alike will now turn their attention to how the squad responds under new leadership in what promises to be a demanding campaign across North and Central America.
Endo, who has been a cornerstone of both club and country in recent years, leaves the international stage with a legacy of resilience, leadership, and quiet determination.
His final message ended on a rallying note: “Everyone, give it everything you’ve got.”
