Japan lost its captain when Wataru Endo withdrew from the 2026 World Cup squad after a foot injury that required surgery in February. The Liverpool midfielder missed the entire club season and managed only a half‑hour cameo against Iceland in late May. Endo used the friendly to confirm his international retirement.

Moriyasu had kept Endo in his 26‑man list despite lingering fitness doubts, hoping his experience would steer the Blue Samurai. Endo’s brief return ended with a 45‑minute stint, after which he posted a heartfelt message praising the team’s progress since Qatar and acknowledging his disappointment. He stressed that the squad remains capable of overcoming adversity.

The Japan Football Association named Shuto Machino as Endo’s replacement, inserting a fresh attacking option into the roster. Endo’s exit removes a seasoned defensive midfielder from the line‑up, forcing Japan to reshuffle its midfield balance ahead of the tournament. The change will test the depth Moriyasu has built as the team prepares for its opening group match.