Wataru Endo Retires from International Football After World Cup Squad Withdrawal

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has made the significant decision to retire from international football. The announcement comes after the Japan captain was forced to withdraw from his country’s World Cup squad due to an ongoing foot injury.

Injury Woes Lead to Difficult Decision

Endo sustained a foot injury in February during Liverpool’s Premier League victory over Sunderland. This injury unfortunately ruled him out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Despite the setback, he was initially included in Japan’s 26-man World Cup squad.

A brief glimmer of hope appeared when Endo participated in a friendly match against Iceland at the end of May, playing for 45 minutes. However, his recovery has not progressed as hoped, leading to his subsequent withdrawal from the World Cup squad.

Statement to Fans

In a heartfelt post shared on social media, Endo confirmed his decision to step away from the World Cup and announced his immediate retirement from international football. He expressed no regrets about his efforts to recover, stating, “Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever.”

He acknowledged the frustration of missing the World Cup but highlighted pride in the team’s growth since the Qatar World Cup, where he captained the side and fostered a belief in their goal of winning the tournament.

Endo, who has earned 73 caps over an 11-year international career, declared his intention to support the Japan national team as a fan from now on. “With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team,” he added. “So from here on, I’ll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans. The moment when the Japan national team wins the World Cup will surely come someday. Let’s believe in that and cheer them on together.”

Squad Replacement and Club Future

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has called up Borussia Monchengladbach’s Shuto Machino to replace Endo in the squad. Japan is set to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on Sunday.

For Endo, his immediate focus will be on completing his rehabilitation. He is expected to rejoin his Liverpool teammates for pre-season training. However, his future at Anfield remains uncertain, particularly with new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola at the helm. With only one year remaining on his contract, there is speculation that Endo might leave Liverpool during the summer transfer window.

Key facts

Endo’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Japan national team, where he served as a key player and captain. His decision, though understandable given his injury, will undoubtedly leave a void in the midfield for Japan as they embark on their World Cup journey. Liverpool supporters will now await news on his club future and his readiness for the upcoming season.

Source: Sports Mole Football RSS – https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/japan/world-cup-2026/news/liverpools-endo-announces-major-decision-following-world-cup-heartbreak_599017.html