Endo Retires from International Football Ahead of 2026 World Cup
The 33-year-old midfielder leaves the national team with 73 caps, ending a decade-long tenure that saw Japan emerge as a top Asian power.
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has announced his retirement from international football, withdrawing from Japan’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 33-year-old captain cited an ankle injury, which required surgery in February, as the primary reason for his decision. Endo stated he has exhausted all avenues for recovery and expressed pride in his decade-long international career, during which he captained Japan and helped establish the nation as a leading Asian football power.
Endo underwent surgery for an ankle injury sustained while playing for Liverpool, which disrupted the latter stages of his club season. He only returned to the matchday squad for Liverpool’s final league fixture last month, following a brief appearance against Iceland on 31 May. Endo leaves the international stage with 73 caps and four goals, having made his debut in 2015.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu had previously expressed optimism regarding Endo’s availability, but the midfielder’s recent limited match time has led to this unexpected withdrawal. Following Endo’s brief appearance against Iceland, Moriyasu insisted medical assessments suggested the veteran could still play a part in the World Cup. However, Endo has now confirmed he will not only miss the tournament but will also bring the curtain down on his international career.
In an emotional statement, Endo said he had no regrets after exhausting every avenue in his recovery efforts. He also expressed pride in helping transform Japan into a nation capable of openly targeting World Cup glory, having captained the side since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His leadership and experience have been central to Japan’s rise into one of Asia’s leading football powers.
Japan have called up Shuto Machino as Endo’s replacement. Injuries have also ruled out Brighton & Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma and former Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino. Endo is expected to leave the Reds this summer after struggling for game time at the Merseyside outfit. Signing a natural, world-class defensive midfielder is reportedly one of the club’s priorities heading into the summer transfer window.
