Japan Captain Wataru Endo Withdraws from World Cup Due to Injury, Announces International Retirement
Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the World Cup squad due to injury and announced his retirement from international football. The 33-year-old midfielder, who had an injury-plagued season with Liverpool, has been replaced by Borussia Moenchengladbach striker Shuto Machino. Endo's absence is a significant blow to Japan as they prepare for their eighth World Cup appearance, beginning with a match against the Netherlands on June 14.
Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the World Cup squad due to injury, marking the end of his international career. The 33-year-old midfielder, who endured an injury-hit season with Liverpool, announced his retirement from the national team via social media, stating he had done everything possible to recover but was unable to participate in the tournament. Endo expressed frustration at missing the World Cup but acknowledged the team's progress since the 2022 Qatar tournament. He has been replaced in the squad by Borussia Moenchengladbach striker Shuto Machino. Japan, competing in Group F, will begin their eighth World Cup appearance against the Netherlands in Dallas on June 14, followed by matches against Tunisia and Sweden.
What different sources said
- The Liverpool OffsideCenter
Breaking: Wataru Endo Withdraws from World Cup
- Channel NewsAsiaCenter
Japan captain Endo withdraws from World Cup due to injury, retires from internationals
- The Japan TimesCenter
Japan captain Wataru Endo pulls out of World Cup due to injury and retires from national team
- NewsweekCenter
Japan's Wataru Endo Withdraws From World Cup 3 Days Before Netherlands Clash
- Al JazeeraLeft
Japan’s Wataru Endo retires after injury ends World Cup 2026 dream
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