Japan’s football team has suffered a big setback before its opening match in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Japan team captain, Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the tournament due to a leg injury. Along with this, 33-year-old midfielder Wataru Endo has also announced his retirement from international football.

Japan’s national team director Masakuni Yamamoto confirmed the matter. Masakuni Yamamoto said that Endo could not fully recover from his injury and hence will not be a part of the team in the World Cup 2026. Japan is to start the match against Netherlands on June 14 in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Wataru Endo is one of the most experienced players of the Japan team. Wataru Endo captained the team throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign. Also, Endo’s role in the midfield was very important. He had leg surgery at the end of February. Since then he was continuously trying to achieve fitness. However, despite all efforts, Wataru Endo has failed to be fit to play the match.

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Wataruendo made his comeback in a friendly match played against Iceland on 31 May. Wataru Endo took part in the first half of that match. But even after this, questions remained regarding Endo’s fitness. Even during the World Cup camp, Endo was training separately from other players. It was expected that Wataru Endo would be fit in time. But in the end he had to take the decision to withdraw from the tournament.

The Japan Football Association has included forward Shooto Machino in the team in place of Wataru Endo. On the other hand, centre-back Itakura was made the new captain. Itakura has already captained a match against Colombia in March.

Wataru Endo has also announced his retirement from international football after being ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Wataru Endo expressed disappointment and said that due to injury he adopted all methods to make a comeback and Wataru Endo does not regret anything. Wataru Ando said that he is sad about not being able to play in the FIFA World Cup. But, at the same time, it is a matter of pride that after the Qatar World Cup, he could contribute as captain to the way the team progressed.

Praising his Japanese team, Endo said, ‘The current Japanese team is very strong and can face any challenge. Wataru Endo said that he is no longer a player. Rather will support the Japan team as a fan.

Wataru Endo has played 73 international matches for Japan. Endo played an important role in helping the Japan team win many memorable victories. The Japanese team present in Group F will now try to give a strong performance under the leadership of the new captain.

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