Captain Wataru Endo Withdraws; Ko Itakura Named New Captain 3 Days Before World Cup Opener

A Last-Minute Change in Leadership

On June 12, the Japan Football Association (JFA) made it official: captain Wataru Endo would be withdrawn from the World Cup squad. The team had been monitoring Endo's fitness, but with the first match looming, a final decision was made. Forward Shuto Machino has been called up to replace him, taking over the number 6 jersey. The captain's armband has been passed to defender Ko Itakura. This announcement ends a period of uncertainty, confirming the new leadership structure Japan will take into the tournament.

New Captain Ko Itakura on "Responsibility and Resolve"

Losing a captain three days before the tournament could destabilize a squad, but newly appointed captain Ko Itakura is approaching the situation with composure. He told reporters that his role is to "eliminate any anxiety" caused by the sudden change and that the team will "move forward with even greater responsibility and resolve." As a center-back, Itakura's leadership will be marshaled from the back line, a different style from the midfield command of Endo. How Itakura unifies the team from his defensive post will be a key factor to watch.

The End of an Era for Wataru Endo

Endo's withdrawal comes after a long and difficult battle with injury. The 33-year-old veteran ruptured a ligament in his left foot in February, underwent surgery, and spent roughly three and a half months in rehabilitation to make the squad. He even returned to the pitch in a friendly against Iceland on May 31. However, his recovery could not withstand the high intensity of the pre-tournament camp, and he began missing training sessions. Ultimately, the staff deemed him unfit to continue. Multiple reports also state that Endo announced on social media his intention to retire from the national team after this tournament window, bringing a close to his long and distinguished Samurai Blue career from the sidelines rather than on the field.

Shuto Machino's Hectic Journey to Join the Squad

The logistics of Machino's call-up have been complicated. His scheduled flights were repeatedly cancelled, forcing a change of plans. Instead of traveling via the team's camp in Nashville, he will now join the squad directly in Dallas, the venue for the first match. The striker, entrusted with the historic number 6, faces a rushed arrival just before the tournament begins. Managing his condition after such a disruptive journey will be a critical detail affecting his readiness to play.

Clarifying the Timeline: The Kaoru Mitoma Situation

It is important to clarify a point of confusion that has appeared in some overseas media: Kaoru Mitoma's absence is a separate issue from Endo's withdrawal and was confirmed much earlier. Mitoma injured his left hamstring playing for his club against Wolverhampton on May 9. Consequently, when manager Hajime Moriyasu announced the 26-man squad on May 15, he stated that medical staff had judged Mitoma would not be able to recover during the tournament and left him off the list. The challenge of restructuring the attack without Mitoma has been a focus for the team since the squad was announced, not a last-minute problem. Japan therefore enters the tournament dealing with two distinct, major absences: their key left winger (since mid-May) and their captain (since June 12).

How to Watch: The Opener vs. Netherlands

The World Cup opener, Netherlands vs. Japan, will kick off at 05:00 JST on Monday, June 15, in Dallas. In Japan, the match will be broadcast live on NHK General TV and NHK BS4K, and streamed for free on DAZN. The NHK broadcast will feature on-site commentary from Keisuke Honda, Yoichiro Kakitani, and Ryohei Hayashi. Japan's campaign will begin with new captain Ko Itakura leading the team out, and the newly numbered Shuto Machino on the bench.