Wataru Endo withdraws from Japan World Cup squad & RETIRES from international duty due to injury as Liverpool star issues emotional statement
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has withdrawn from Japan's 2026 World Cup squad and retired from international football due to a persistent foot injury. The 33-year-old expressed pride in his tenure as captain despite the disappointing end to his international career.
Why it matters
The loss of a key player and captain significantly impacts Japan's team dynamics and performance prospects in the World Cup.
Japan captain Wataru Endo has been forced to withdraw from the 2026 World Cup squad due to a persistent injury, bringing a premature end to his international career. The Liverpool midfielder confirmed he is stepping away from the national team entirely after failing to recover in time for the tournament in North America.
The article is a standard sports news report focusing on player status and retirement.
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