Liverpool star Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the Japan national team and will not feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup team due to injury, the country’s football federation have confirmed.
Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Shuto Machino has been called up as his replacement for the tournament scheduled for the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Endo had been called up to his national team’s squad for the 23rd edition of football’s biggest tournament, having spent the final months of Liverpool’s 2025/26 season on the sidelines with injury.
The midfielder picked up a foot injury during Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light back in February, which ruled him out for the majority of the campaign.
He, however, returned before the end of the season and was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s final match of the 2025/26 campaign – a 1-1 draw against Brentford. He subsequently featured in Japan’s 1-0 win in a friendly clash with Iceland last month.
“In the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team) participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026, Wataru Endo (Liverpool FC) has withdrawn from the team due to injury, and Shuto Machino (Borussia Mönchengladbach) has been called up as his replacement,” a statement read.
Reports from Japan stated that the 31-year-old was not involved in the Samurai Blue’s training sessions in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday. Subsequent reports added that Endo’s foot injury has not improved, which consequently forced his withdrawal from the squad.
Only seven Liverpool players will now be competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following Endo’s withdrawal.
Endo announces retirement from international football after FIFA World Cup blow
Hours after his 2026 FIFA World Cup dream was cut short, Endo released a statement confirming that he has retired from international football. He confirmed he withdrew from the squad and added that he has no regrets after being unable to participate in the tournament.
“As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad,” he wrote on social media. "Since my injury, I've done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever. Of course, there's frustration at not being able to participate in this World Cup.
The midfielder then announced that his international career has come to an end and promised to show his support for the Japan national team as they join other nations to vie for the World Cup.
“With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team. 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. And let's unite Japan's strength as one so that moment comes in this tournament — everyone, let's take on the North and Central America World Cup together!! Everyone, give it everything you've got,” he added.
Endo made his senior debut with Japan in 2015 and has managed 73 caps to date.