Japan captain Wataru Endo retires from international football after a foot injury suffered in February rules him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Liverpool's Wataru Endo ruled out of 2026 FIFA World Cup with left ankle ligament tear. Japan calls up Shuto Machino as replacement before June 11 opener.

The Liverpool midfielder has not started a game since February and said he has played his final match for Japan.