Wataru Endo and Xavi Simons miss World Cup for Japan and Netherlands

Wataru Endo will not play for Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after announcing his retirement from international football shortly before the tournament. The 33-year-old midfielder initially withdrew from the squad due to a foot injury but confirmed his retirement on social media, citing a lack of regret following extensive rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons is absent from the squad due to a torn ACL incurred late in the season while at Tottenham Hotspur, ruling him out for up to a year. Both players' absences are significant losses for their respective teams.

• 6:42 PMYahoo Sports — Why Wataru Endo isn't playing for Japan at the World Cup
• 6:24 PMYahoo Sports — Why Xavi Simons isn't playing for Netherlands at the World Cup