Japanese Captain Wataru Endo Retires from International Football After World Cup Injury

Wataru Endo, the captain of Japan’s national team, has announced his immediate retirement from international football due to an injury that will sideline him for the World Cup. The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder underwent surgery on his leg in February but was unable to fully recover before the tournament. Japan is scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign on June 14 against the Netherlands, and Endo’s absence deals a significant blow to the team. Kathmandu, May 29.

Endo sustained the injury while playing for his club at the end of February and required surgery. Despite this, coach Hajime Moriyasu included him in the 26-man squad announced for the World Cup, confident that Endo had fully recovered. The injury had prevented key players Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino from being selected. However, on May 31, during the first half of a friendly match against Iceland, Endo left the field feeling discomfort, raising concerns about his condition.

At that time, Coach Moriyasu stated, “According to medical reports, he is unable to play, so we are waiting with confidence.” Eventually, after it was confirmed that Endo would not be fit to participate in the World Cup, he decided to retire immediately from the national team. Japan will open their Group F campaign against the Netherlands on June 14 in Arlington, United States. The absence of their captain and experienced midfielder presents a major challenge to Japan’s preparations.