Liverpool midfielder and Japan captain Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after undergoing surgery for a broken left foot in February 2026, according to multiple reports. The 33-year-old spent most of the latter stages of the 2025-26 season sidelined, training individually before gradually reintegrating into team sessions.
Endo's injury occurred during a Premier League match in early 2026, and despite efforts to return, he was unable to regain full fitness in time for the tournament. Japan's national team coach confirmed the midfielder's absence from the squad for the World Cup, which begins in June 2026.
The Japan Football Association (JFA) has not officially commented on Endo's replacement, but speculation suggests younger midfielders may step up. Endo, who has earned over 60 caps for Japan, will remain with Liverpool for pre-season training to continue his recovery.
