Key facts
- Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu made the final decision to exclude captain Wataru Endo from the World Cup.
- Endo's left foot injury was the reason for his exclusion.
- The injury would have likely prevented Endo from playing full matches throughout the tournament.
- Endo had surgery in February and had been undergoing physical therapy.
- Defender Ko Itakura has been named the new captain.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu confirmed that he made the difficult decision to exclude team captain Wataru Endo from the World Cup due to a persistent left foot injury. Moriyasu explained that the 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder's injury would have likely made it challenging for him to play full matches throughout the tournament.
Moriyasu stated that informing Endo of the decision earlier in the week was difficult, but the player was respectful and understanding. The coach emphasized that the decision "had to be made" for the team's overall performance during the World Cup.