Liverpool ace Wataru Endo pulls out from 2026 World Cup, announces retirement from international duty | OneFootball

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has announced his retirement from international football just days before Japan begin their World Cup campaign.

The Liverpool star was expected to play a role for the Samurai Blue despite battling back from an ankle injury that disrupted the latter stages of his season at Anfield.

Endo underwent surgery after suffering the problem as Liverpool claimed a 1-0 win over Sunderland in February.

The 33-year-old only returned to the matchday squad for Liverpool’s final league fixture last month.

The decision comes as a major surprise, given Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu had recently expressed optimism that the Liverpool man would play at the tournament.

Following Endo’s brief appearance against Iceland on May 31, Moriyasu insisted medical assessments suggested the veteran could still play a part in the World Cup.

However, Endo has now confirmed he will not only miss the tournament but will also bring the curtain down on an international career spanning more than a decade.

In an emotional statement (via Liverpoolfc.com), he said he had no regrets after exhausting every avenue in his recovery efforts.

Endo also expressed pride in helping transform Japan into a nation capable of openly targeting World Cup glory, having captained the side since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He leaves the international stage with 73 caps and four goals after making his debut in 2015.

His leadership and experience have been central to Japan’s rise into one of Asia’s leading football powers.

Japan have called up Shuto Machino as Endo’s replacement.

Injuries have also ruled out Brighton & Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma and former Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino.

Endo is expected to leave the Reds this summer after struggling for game time at the Merseyside outfit.

Signing a natural, world-class defensive midfielder is reportedly one of the club’s priorities heading into the summer transfer window.