Wataru Endo out of World Cup due to ankle injury

6 sources2 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 7:57 PM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

Wataru Endo out of World Cup due to ankle injury
Summary

Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after sustaining a serious ankle injury during Liverpool's match against Sunderland in February. Initially expected to captain Japan in the tournament, Endo's condition has deteriorated, leading to his replacement by Shuto Machino in the squad. Endo's season with Liverpool concluded prematurely, and he is set to miss the summer competition. He aims to return for pre-season training in July as he enters the final year of his contract with Liverpool.

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Status Watch
  • Endo injured during Liverpool's 1-0 win over Sunderland in February.
  • Shuto Machino will replace him in Japan's squad for the World Cup.
  • Endo expected to miss the summer tournament due to the injury.
  • Aims to rejoin Liverpool for pre-season training in July.
  • Previously projected to leave Liverpool but likely to stay for the final contract year.
Latest Updates
  • 7:57 PMYahoo SportsEndo announces Japan retirement after World Cup withdrawal
  • 7:53 PMESPN SoccerLiverpool's Endo out of WC, retires from Japan
  • 7:52 PMYahoo SportsWataru Endo Announces International Retirement
  • 7:47 PMYahoo SportsCaptain Endo out of World Cup and retires from Japan duty
  • 7:46 PMBBC FootballCaptain Endo out of World Cup and retires from Japan duty
  • 6:10 PMYahoo SportsLiverpool star ruled out of the World Cup in devastating injury blow
What they're saying
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Following a setback recovering from a broken foot suffered in February, Liverpool midfielder and Japan captain Wataru Endo was forced to withdraw from the national team on the day World Cup 2026 kicked off. Unfortunately, it’s a setback that doesn’t mean Endo will just miss this summer’s tournament. It means that he has played his […]

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Japan midfielder Wataru Endo has retired from international football after being ruled out of the World Cup because of a foot problem. The Liverpool star sustained the injury against Sunderland on February 11 in what was his final club appearance of the season.

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Wataru Endo Ruled Out of the World Cup Through InjuryWataru Endo has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup through injury. The 33-year-old’s club campaign came to an end after suffering a serious ank...

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