Japan’s 2026 World Cup plans are centred on whether Wataru Endo recovers in time for the tournament. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu is waiting on late fitness checks before the opener against Netherlands on 14 June, with Japan allowed to change the squad up to 24 hours before that match.

Japan’s cautious approach is shaped by past World Cup results. The national team have never progressed beyond the round of 16 and have played 25 matches at the tournament without reaching the quarter-finals, the highest such total, increasing the pressure to manage key players carefully.

Endo’s problems began in early February when the midfielder suffered a serious foot injury during Liverpool’s win over Sunderland. The issue ended Endo’s club season with the Premier League side. Endo then returned on 31 May in Japan’s warm-up fixture against Iceland but left at half-time because of renewed discomfort.

The situation is concerning because Endo was essential during qualifying. Outside of the host nations, Japan were the first team to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, and Endo featured heavily. Endo recorded 54 duels won, nine tackles, 10 interceptions and completed 667 passes, ranking near the top for Japan in each category.

Moriyasu stressed that medical updates offer cautious encouragement regarding the 33-year-old midfielder. According to Moriyasu, “According to the medical reports, there is nothing to say that he can’t play, Moriyasutold reporters. So we just believe, pray and wait.” Japan still keep the option to call a replacement until the official deadline.

Moriyasu also underlined that Endo is not the only concern in the squad. “I’m always considering replacements if a player can’t play, and that doesn’t just go for Endo but for everyone. We have several players returning from injury, and we need to keep assessing them until the last minute, but we called them up with the assumption that they would be fit in time.”

The coach’s stance reflects broader continuity in the national team. Moriyasu has been in charge since July 2018 and is the only head coach to lead Japan in more than 100 matches. Moriyasu also oversaw Japan’s 2022 World Cup run, which ended in the round of 16 after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Croatia.

Japan now balance optimism and caution before facing Netherlands, with Endo’s condition under close review. The midfielder’s importance during qualifying and Moriyasu’s long tenure highlight what is at stake as Japan attempt to finally move past the last-16 barrier in 2026.