Japan midfielder Wataru Endo withdraws from the World Cup and announces his retirement from international football, according to multiple reports. Endo, who plays for Liverpool, is ruled out of the tournament after an injury. The Japan Times and The Independent both report that he retires from national team duty following his withdrawal. The Athletic adds that Endo had not started a game since February and says he has played his final match for Japan. Japan’s squad replacement is also reported: Endo is replaced by Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Shuto Machino. The reports collectively link Endo’s World Cup absence to his ongoing injury issues after a difficult period at club level. While the sources differ slightly in emphasis, they agree on the core points: Endo does not take part in the World Cup, he ends his international career, and Japan names Machino as his replacement.