Japan's captain Endo withdraws from World Cup and retires from international football

The Liverpool midfielder withdrew from the tournament after being unable to recover from a foot injury. He was replaced in the Japan squad by Borussia Monchengladbach's Shuto Machino.

The 33-year-old Endo stated on social media that he felt "frustrated" at being unable to play, but expressed confidence in his team's ability to perform well in Group F, where they are up against the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.

"There will undoubtedly be a time in the future when Japan win the World Cup, so let us believe in that and support the team," he wrote on X.

"Let us bring the strength of Japan together so that that moment can happen at this tournament in North America."

"I have made the decision to retire from the national team. From now on, I will be supporting Japan as just another fan."

Endo sustained a season-ending foot injury while playing for Liverpool against Sunderland in February, but he returned for Japan in a 1-0 friendly victory over Iceland in Tokyo on 31 May.

He was substituted at half-time and continued to experience discomfort during the team's pre-World Cup training camp in Mexico, where he did not take part in any full training sessions.

He participated in training when Japan moved to their World Cup base in Nashville on Monday, but was unable to get up to speed in time for the tournament.

"I have done everything in my power since I sustained the injury, so I have no regrets," said Endo.

"Of course I am frustrated that I cannot play at this World Cup.

"But more than that, I am proud that I have been able to captain this team since the Qatar World Cup and help it grow into a group where it feels natural to say our target is to win the World Cup."

Endo made his debut for Japan in 2015 and retires with 73 caps, having scored four international goals.

He was part of Japan's squads for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and featured in their stunning victories over Germany and Spain in Qatar.