Japan's national team captain Wataru Endo must leave the squad ahead of the World Cup due to a left foot injury.
The 33-year-old midfielder from Liverpool underwent foot surgery in February. He has trained alone in the United States but is not deemed ready to play. Ko Itakura from Ajax takes over as captain. Striker Shuto Machino from Mönchengladbach is called up as a replacement. Sweden faces Japan in the group stage match on the night of June 26.
Initial reactions on X highlight sadness over captain Wataru Endo's injury withdrawal and international retirement, with users calling it a huge blow to Japan's midfield and praising his leadership. Supportive messages wish him recovery, while updates note replacement calls and his lack of regrets. Diverse accounts including journalists and fans express neutral facts mixed with emotional sentiments.
Japan captain Wataru Endo ruled out of World Cup after failing to recover from ankle injury. Promptly retired from intl football.
— Jacob Whitehead (@jwhitey98) Hunyo 11, 2026
Leaves Japan short in central midfield - Moriyasu calls up a fifth striker instead. https://t.co/7IPnS4WdNk
Sad news for Samurai Blue fans... Wataru Endo, our captain and midfield anchor, has pulled out of the 2026 World Cup squad due to that lingering left foot injury. He was pushing hard to recover, but it’s not right in time. Huge blow right before camp. pic.twitter.com/SopWiaAapH
— Virendra Maurya (@VEERA_SIPF) Hunyo 11, 2026
Wataru Endo has announced his retirement from the Japan national team.🇯🇵
— 🇯🇵SAIGOU🇯🇵郷田剛士🇯🇵 (@oidonhagouda) Hunyo 11, 2026
The long-time captain and leader who helped change the mentality of the Samurai Blue — making “winning the World Cup” something the team could actually say out loud — is stepping away after this injury.… https://t.co/peWoz2xioj
Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the Japanese international team through injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup and subsequently retired from international football 🥹🇯🇵
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) Hunyo 12, 2026
Wishing him a speedy recovery 🙌 pic.twitter.com/m5Tin4Ev2a
🚨 | 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Wataru Endo has withdrawn from Japan’s World Cup squad due to injury, and announced his retirement from international football.
— Anfield Express (@AnfieIdExpress) Hunyo 11, 2026
Keep your head up, Wata ❤️ pic.twitter.com/o4ptuHB5lp
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