Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad lost a veteran when Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endō announced his withdrawal and immediate retirement from the national team. the 33‑year‑old, who underwent ankle surgery in February, had only managed a brief 45‑minute cameo against Iceland before a fresh setback forced his exit. endō confirmed the decision on social media on the day the tournament opens , ending an 11‑year, 73‑cap international career.

Endō’s ankle surgery and limited 2025‑26 season shape his decision

Endō’s February operation sidelined him for the bulk of Liverpool’s 2025‑26 campaign,and he returned only for the final league match, missing the Brentford game entirely. According to the source, his brief appearance for Japan on May 31 was his first competitive minutes since the surgery, and a subsequent injury flare‑up made a World Cup debut impossible.

Endō’s retirement statement underscores Japan’s World Cup ambitions

In a heartfelt post, Endō said he had “no regrets” and expressed pride in the team’s progress since Qatar 2022, where he captained Japan. He urged fans to believe the nation will evetually lift the trophy, urging collective support as the squad faces North and Central American opponents. The source quotes his exact words, highlighting his shift from captain to fan.

Impact on Liverpool’s World Cup representation drops to three players

With Endō’s withdrawal, only Mohamed Salah , Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté remain as Liverpool representatives at the tournament, and they will leave the club after June 30. The source notes this reduction limits the club’s exposure and removes a potential injury risk for a key midfielder who only logged 12 appearances last season.

Who will fill Endō’s void in Hajime Moriyasu’s midfield?

Japan’s coach Hajime Moriyasu now must reshuffle his midfield, potentially relying more on younger talents such as Shūto Machino, who already features as a forward, and other domestic league stand‑outs. The source does not name a direct replacement, leaving speculation about the tactical adjustments the team will adopt.

When will Endō return to club action?

The timeline for Endō’s full recovery remains unclear.. The source states that “more time on the sidelines is the last thing the midfielder needed,” given his limited 12 appearances this season . Liverpool manager Arne Slot will likely monitor his rehabilitation closely before planning his role for the next campaign.