Endo ended his career in the Japanese national team after an injury before the start of the 2026 World Cup

Midfielder of Liverpool and the Japanese national team Wataru Endo has decided to end his career in the national team before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which he will miss due to injury. "As announced, I am leaving the national team's application for the World Cup. After the injury, I did everything in my power and I don't regret anything. Of course, there is disappointment that I was not able to participate in this World Cup, but I am more proud of how we have grown together after the World Cup in Qatar - as the captain, I lead this team and turn our goal of winning the World Cup into something that we can take for granted. The current team is really great. I believe that they will overcome any difficulties and show us such matches that we have not seen before. After this campaign I will retire from the national team. So from now on I will support the Japanese national team as one of its fans. The day will come when Japan wins the World Cup. Let's believe in it and cheer for them together. And let's join forces with Japan to make that moment come at this tournament. Let's play together at the World Cup in America. That's it, give it your all!" Endo wrote on social networks. As part of the Japanese national team, Endo played 73 matches in which he scored four goals and provided four assists. Earlier it was reported that in the application of the Japanese national team for the 2026 World Cup.