What happened: Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has announced his retirement from international football after a foot injury forced him out of the 2026 World Cup. The 33-year-old had traveled to the national team's training camp in Nashville but determined his fitness was insufficient to compete in the tournament.

Why it matters: The retirement concludes a leadership era for the veteran, who earned 73 caps and served as national captain since 2023. His departure comes as Liverpool prepares for a transition in management following a season where Endo's availability was limited to just eight league appearances.

What to watch: The national team must now appoint a new captain ahead of its tournament opener against the Netherlands. Endo returns to Merseyside to continue rehabilitation ahead of the 2026-27 season.