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Japan Hope Wataru Endo Recovers in Time for World Cup Opener Against Netherlands

Posted : 09 June 2026

Japan are anxiously monitoring the fitness of captain Wataru Endo ahead of their World Cup opener against the Netherlands, with head coach Hajime Moriyasu remaining hopeful that the experienced midfielder will be available for selection.

The Liverpool player has been dealing with a foot injury and was unable to participate fully in training sessions during Japan’s pre-tournament preparations in Mexico. Despite the setback, Endo joined teammates for light running and passing exercises on Monday after the squad arrived at its World Cup base in Nashville.

Moriyasu said medical assessments have not ruled Endo out of the opening match in Dallas and remains optimistic that the midfielder can recover in time. The coach admitted the team is waiting for further progress while hoping for positive news before the tournament begins.

Endo’s injury troubles date back to February, when he suffered a foot problem while playing for Liverpool that ended his club season prematurely. He made his return for Japan in a friendly victory over Iceland on May 31 but was substituted at halftime and has continued to experience discomfort since then.

The Japanese coach acknowledged that contingency plans are being considered should Endo fail to recover. However, he stressed that the squad was selected with the expectation that injured players would regain fitness before the World Cup.

Moriyasu also noted that several members of the squad are working their way back from injuries and will continue to be evaluated right up until the tournament starts.

Japan have already been forced to leave out some notable names due to fitness concerns. Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma was omitted after sustaining a hamstring injury shortly before the squad announcement, while Monaco forward Takumi Minamino missed selection following a serious knee injury suffered late last year.

Japan will begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands before taking on Sweden and Tunisia in Group F as they aim to progress to the knockout stages.

 

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