Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu apologises to Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo after Japan ends his World Cup hopes ahead of the tournament. Multiple reports say Moriyasu describes Endo as “hurt” and regrets the decision, which he frames as a difficult call for the team. The withdrawal is linked to a foot injury, and Moriyasu says it is his decision that Endo should not be involved following medical concerns. The sources describe Endo as being treated as captain material and suggest he was expected to play a key role for Japan, but he is ruled out before the tournament begins. Moriyasu’s comments come as Japan prepares for the World Cup in North America, and he reiterates his ambition to lead Japan toward World Cup success. While the reports differ slightly in phrasing, they agree on the core points: Endo is injured, the Japan coach makes or confirms the call to exclude him, and Moriyasu publicly apologises afterward for the impact on Endo’s tournament plans.