Wataru Endo Withdraws from World Cup and Retires from International Soccer

Japan's captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the World Cup squad due to injury and announced his retirement from international football. Replaced by Shuto Machino, Endo expressed pride in Japan's growth since the 2022 World Cup. Japan faces the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden in Group F.

Japan's World Cup hopes took a hit as captain Wataru Endo withdrew due to injury, marking the end of his international career. The announcement came as a blow to the Samurai Blue ahead of the tournament.

Endo, beset by injuries during his stint with Liverpool, was replaced by striker Shuto Machino, as confirmed by the Japan Football Association. Expressing no regrets over his career, Endo shared his thoughts on social media, expressing pride in the team's progress since their last World Cup outing.

Now stepping down from the national scene at the age of 33, Endo hopes to support Japan as a fan. The team is set to start their World Cup journey against the Netherlands on June 14, followed by matches against Tunisia and Sweden in Group F.