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Japan captain Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a foot injury, just days before the team's opening match against the Netherlands. The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder failed to recover from surgery and has retired from international football.
Japan midfielder Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury. Shuto Machino has been called up as his replacement.
Off-field factors like geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges are expected to significantly impact the upcoming World Cup. A weakened top tier could open the door for second-rank contenders such as Norway, Senegal, Ecuador, and Japan, potentially leading to a first-time champion.