Japan captain Wataru Endo is out of the World Cup and retires from international duty
Japan national football team captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the upcoming World Cup squad due to a persistent foot injury. Following this, he announced his retirement from international football, with Ko Itakura named as his successor.
Why it matters
The loss of a key captain and veteran player significantly impacts Japan's competitive prospects in the FIFA World Cup.
Associated Press Fri, June 12, 2026 at 1:08 AM UTC · 1 min read TOKYO (AP) — The Japan Football Association said Thursday that captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the country’s World Cup squad due to a foot injury. Later the Liverpool midfielder announced his surprise retirement from international duty.
Straightforward reporting of sports news based on official statements.
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