Japan Loses Liverpool Star to Injury Before World Cup Opener Against Netherlands
Japan national team have been hit with a major blow just days before their World Cup opener against the Netherlands national team. Captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the tournament through injury, leaving Japan without one of their most experienced players before their Group F campaign even begins.
The Liverpool midfielder's exit is already a serious setback on its own, but the news became even bigger when the 33-year-old also announced his immediate retirement from international soccer. With Japan set to begin their tournament in Arlington, Endo's sudden departure leaves the team needing to adjust quickly both on and off the pitch.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on X saying, "BREAKING: Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury. Shuto Machino will be the replacement."
BREAKING: Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2026
Shuto Machino will be the replacement. pic.twitter.com/Idn1eYovIn
This was not a simple last-minute squad change for Japan. It was the end of an era for one of the team's most important leaders.
Endo had been trying to get himself ready after dealing with a foot issue from his Liverpool season, and for a while there was real belief that he might still make it. Being included in the final squad gave the impression that Japan were willing to wait on him and see if his body could hold up.
That changed after the friendly against Iceland. He managed only one half before the problem flared up again, and from that point, the decision became much harder to avoid. Moriyasu had publicly stayed hopeful, but with the tournament so close, Japan could not afford to carry a player who might not be fully available.
Machino's call-up now gives Japan another attacking option, though it also changes the balance of the squad. More importantly, it leaves a gap in experience and leadership at exactly the wrong time.
Endo's farewell message made it clear how much the decision hurt. He spoke with pride about helping Japan raise their ambitions after Qatar and said he still believes this group can show the country something special.
His exit also comes shortly after Maya Yoshida's own goodbye, meaning Japan have lost two major voices in a short span. That puts even more responsibility on players such as Kō Itakura, Takefusa Kubo, and Ritsu Dōan as the team moves into a difficult Group F campaign.
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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 3:45 PM.