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Posted on June 15, 2026 8:00 pm | Updated on June 15, 2026 2:21 pm Endo retires from Japan duty after World Cup injury withdrawal.
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Liverpool news has been dominated by withdrawal of Wataru Endo from Japan’s World Cup squad, as the midfielder also announced his retirement from international football.
Wataru Endo injury battle cuts short World Cup dream
As reported by ESPN, Japan named Endo in their preliminary squad, and he even sat on the bench for The Reds during their final match of the season, a 1-1 draw with Brentford, giving fans hope he might recover in time. Once Endo travelled to Nashville to join his Japan teammates, the reality became clear. He simply wasn’t fit enough to compete at World Cup level, so doctors and coaches agreed that dropping him was the right call.
As reported by Liverpool FC, the injury dated back to February, when Endo suffered a serious Lisfranc ligament injury during a Premier League away game at Sunderland. That setback ended his domestic season early and forced him into months of rehabilitation work away from the matchday squad.
Endo didn’t hold back when explaining his feelings. He said he had done everything possible to recover and felt no regrets about his effort. As reported by Goal, he said:“I have no regrets whatsoever,” admitting there was frustration at missing the tournament, but he spoke proudly about how far the team had come since the last World Cup, growing together under his leadership as captain.
Wataru Endo’s 2025/26 stats at Liverpool, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Tackles Interceptions Duels Won%
Premier League 8 7 0 64.3%
EFL Cup 2 9 3 58.6%
A heartfelt goodbye to Japan fans
Many people felt surprised when Endo decided to retire from international duty entirely, not just this tournament. Despite the disappointment, his message to fans was full of hope rather than sadness, and he praised the current squad as a special group that can achieve things Japan has never seen before. Endo promised to support the team as a fan from now on, and he encouraged everyone back home to unite and cheer the players on through the tournament.
His message also touched on the bigger picture. As reported by TOI, Wataru Endo said that Japan no longer sees winning the World Cup as a distant dream, but as a realistic target the squad can openly discuss and work towards.
Most players quietly fade from international squads, but Endo chose a public farewell instead. This shows how seriously he took his role as captain, and how much trust he built with both teammates and supporters while leading the Samurai Blue.
Machino steps in as Japan prepare for Group F
With Wataru Endo out, Japan moved quickly to find a replacement. Borussia Monchengladbach striker Shuto Machino now fills that spot in the 26-man squad. Machino plays a different style, more attacking and direct, while Endo brought defensive solidity and sharp football intelligence that few players can match, according to the latest Liverpool news.
Losing a player with 73 international caps is a big tactical blow for Japan. Endo shielded the back four and controlled the tempo of games, qualities that the team cannot replace overnight. Japan’s coaching staff will now need to rework their midfield setup to cover that gap.
Japan will face the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F, and the team will feel Endo’s absence both on and off the field. As per the latest Liverpool news, his influence at the club has clearly shaped his role with the national team too. Japan reached the round of 16 at the last World Cup before Croatia beat them on penalties, and with Endo’s farewell fresh in their minds, the players will hope to go even further this time. Their campaign got off to a dramatic start on Sunday, as Japan came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands in Dallas, with Daichi Kamada’s deflected header in the 89th minute securing a deserved point.
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Deepanjali Bhardwaj
Deepanjali Bhardwaj is a Sports Writer at Six Sports, covering both football and cricket with a focus on match developments, player performances, and key talking points across the two sports. Her work combines timely reporting with clear analysis, helping readers stay informed about major matches, tournaments, and emerging storylines in the football and cricket landscape. Through her coverage at Six Sports, Deepanjali contributes match reports, analytical pieces, and feature stories that highlight important moments, team strategies, and standout player performances across domestic and international competitions.
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