Liverpool star set to retire from international duty after latest injury blow | OneFootball

Endo’s World Cup Heartbreak Ends a Remarkable Japan Journey

Wataru Endo’s international career has come to an emotional and unexpected conclusion after the Liverpool midfielder confirmed his retirement from Japan duty following a devastating injury setback ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

For Endo, this summer should have represented one final opportunity to lead his country onto football’s biggest stage. Instead, a foot injury has forced the 33 year old out of Japan’s squad days before their tournament opener against the Netherlands, bringing an abrupt end to a distinguished international career.

Injury Blow Ends World Cup Dream

Japan arrived in North America carrying genuine ambition. Under Endo’s captaincy, expectations have grown significantly since the 2022 World Cup, with the Samurai Blue increasingly viewed as one of Asia’s strongest footballing nations.

Those ambitions will now continue without one of their most influential figures.

Endo started Japan’s warm up fixture against Iceland on May 31, but concerns over his fitness have now resulted in his withdrawal from the tournament. Borussia Monchengladbach forward Shuto Machino has been called up as his replacement ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Netherlands.

For Liverpool supporters, the news adds another chapter to a difficult campaign for the midfielder, who has already endured an injury disrupted season.

Emotional Farewell From Japan Captain

Following confirmation of his withdrawal, Endo used social media to announce that his international career had come to an end.

He wrote:

“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.”

Legacy Built Across Two World Cups

Endo leaves the international stage having earned 73 caps and scored four goals for Japan since making his debut in 2015.

He featured at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, becoming a respected leader and captain during a period in which Japan steadily raised expectations around what their national side could achieve.

His influence extended well beyond statistics. Endo embodied consistency, professionalism and resilience, qualities that made him one of Japan’s most trusted figures.

Liverpool Future Comes Into Focus

The timing of this announcement may offer one small positive for Liverpool. After making only 12 appearances during an injury affected season and spending three months sidelined with an ankle problem, Endo will now have an extended recovery period before pre season preparations begin.

With a new campaign approaching, Liverpool will hope the midfielder can return fully fit and provide valuable experience within the squad.

For Japan, attention now turns towards Group F fixtures against the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden. For Endo, the focus shifts from captain to supporter, ending a memorable chapter while leaving behind a legacy that helped elevate expectations for an entire footballing nation.