Japan captain Wataru Endo has announced his retirement from international football after being forced to withdraw from his country's squad for the 2026 World Cup due to injury.

The Liverpool FC midfielder had long been a cornerstone of the Japan national team, wearing the captain's armband with distinction. His withdrawal from the tournament marks the end of an era for the Samurai Blue.

Endo's decision to retire from international duty came in the wake of his injury-enforced absence from the squad, bringing the curtain down on his career at the national level.