Japan are preparing for the World Cup without captain Wataru Endo after a late injury blow and retirement decision. The Liverpool midfielder has pulled out of the squad, with Shuto Machino drafted in. Japan remain in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia, targeting progress beyond the last 16 for the first time.
The World Cup in 2026 marks Japan's eighth straight appearance at the tournament, a sequence that started in 1998. Among Asian teams, only South Korea have a longer continuous run, with 11 successive tournaments. Japan hold an unwanted record as well, with 25 matches played without a single quarter-final berth.
Endo's absence follows a foot injury suffered in February, which threatened preparations but did not immediately
rule out involvement. Japan still named the 33-year-old in the squad, hoping form and fitness would return in time. Endo managed 45 minutes in a warm-up match against Iceland, which ultimately became a farewell appearance for the national team.
After that friendly, Endo confirmed that the fitness issues were too severe to continue at international level. The midfielder announced international retirement while also revealing the withdrawal from the World Cup group. Japan now adjust leadership roles on short notice, with Machino stepping in and the squad seeking stability without the long-time captain.
Since my injury, I've done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever, Endo posted on social media. Of course, there's frustration at not being able to participate in this World Cup, but more than that, I'm proud of how we've grown together since the Qatar World Cup - me as captain, leading this team and turning our goal of 'winning the World Cup' into something we can say as a matter of course.
W(Wataru Endo) (@wataru0209) June 11, 2026
Endo described strong faith in the squad that will now compete in the World Cup without the captain's presence. The message underlined belief that Japan can respond to pressure situations on the biggest stage. The group will need that resilience in a section featuring European opponents the Netherlands and Sweden, plus African side Tunisia.
The current team is truly a wonderful team. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we've never seen before. 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, give it everything you've got.
Endo's departure places even more focus on Japan's collective experience and long record at World Cups. The side have built consistency in qualifying yet still chase a first quarter-final spot. With Machino called in and senior players staying in key roles, Japan enter the 2026 tournament aiming to finally move beyond the last 16 barrier.
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