Japan's National Team Captain Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup Due to Injury

Wataru Endo Sidelined, Replaced by Shuto Machino

According to Главком: Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a left leg injury and experiencing a slow recovery from surgery. The Japanese national team captain has left the squad, and his roster spot has been filled by Borussia Mönchengladbach forward Shuto Machino. Endo's absence is a major setback for Japan, as he was a linchpin in their tactical setup.

Shuto Machino, a 26-year-old versatile attacker capable of playing as a center forward, left winger, or attacking midfielder, has been called up to replace Endo. In 14 appearances for Japan, Machino has scored 5 goals and previously featured in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

2026 World Cup Broadcasting in Ukraine

Amid these roster changes, the media service Megogo has secured official broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup in Ukraine. Megogo plans to stream every match exclusively on its platform and has announced over 90 pre- and post-match studio shows. All games will be available via the Sport and Megopack subscriptions, with select matches airing for free on the Megogo Sport channel via T2 and cable networks. Free broadcasts will include the opening match, two quarterfinals, both semifinals, the third-place playoff, and the final.

• The 2026 World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa kicks off on June 11 at 10:00 PM local time.
• The tournament final is scheduled for July 19 at 10:00 PM local time.

This year, Spain's national team has notably omitted any Real Madrid players from its World Cup squad, while Barcelona contributed seven players. A new rule will require referees to issue red cards for covering the mouth during disputes or attempting to leave the pitch in protest of officiating decisions.

Losing Wataru Endo is a significant blow for Japan, as he was a key figure in their game plan.

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The inclusion of Shuto Machino highlights the depth of Japan's roster, which boasts experience on the global stage. Meanwhile, Megogo's World Cup broadcast deal in Ukraine ensures extensive access for fans, boosting football's popularity in the region-especially with new rules that could alter playing dynamics during the tournament.

As Japan navigates the challenges of losing their captain, the excitement for the upcoming tournament continues to build. The opening match of the 2026 World Cup will see Mexico take on South Africa, setting the stage for a thrilling month of football. Fans are eager to see how teams adapt to changes and tackle the competition on the world stage.