Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endō confirmed he will not participate at the 2026 World Cup, withdrawing from Japan’s squad and officially retiring from the national team on the day the tournament kicks off.
The 33-year-old underwent ankle surgery back in February and missed the rest of the 2025–26 campaign for the Reds, only returning to Arne Slot’s bench on the final matchday of the season. Endō did not feature in Liverpool’s 1–1 draw with Brentford, but he still joined up with the Japan national team, seemingly recovered from the injury.
