Wataru Endo Announces International Retirement After World Cup Withdrawal

遠藤航在退出世界盃後宣布從國家隊退休

Jun 11, 2026, 19:52
JapanSports

Introduction

Japan national team captain Wataru Endo has left the 2026 World Cup squad due to an injury and has decided to end his international career.

日本國家隊隊長遠藤航因傷離開 2026 年世界盃名單，並決定結束其國際足球生涯。

Main Body

Endo's decision to retire from international football was caused by his inability to recover from a foot fracture he suffered in February. Because of this injury, he had to withdraw from the squad at the start of the tournament. Consequently, the Japan Football Association has replaced the 33-year-old midfielder with Shuto Machino, a striker from Borussia Moenchengladbach.

遠藤決定從國際足球退休，是因為他無法從二月遭受的足部骨折中康復。由於這次受傷，他不得不在此次賽事開始時退出陣容。因此，日本足球協會以門亨格拉德巴赫的前鋒町野達成取代了這位 33 歲的中場球員。

Regarding his career, Endo made 73 senior appearances and served as captain starting in the summer of 2023. His achievements include finishing second at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and winning the 2016 U23 version of the tournament. In a public statement, Endo emphasized that he felt frustrated about missing the current campaign; however, he asserted that he has no regrets because he worked extremely hard during his rehabilitation. Furthermore, he noted that the team's skills have improved since the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Japan is currently in Group F and will play against the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden.

在職業生涯方面，遠藤共代表國家隊出戰 73 場，並自 2023 年夏天起擔任隊長。他的成就包括在 2019 年亞足聯盃獲得亞軍，以及奪得 2016 年 U23 亞足聯盃冠軍。遠藤在公開聲明中強調，他對錯過本次賽事感到沮喪；然而他堅稱自己並不後悔，因為他在康復期間付出了極大的努力。此外，他指出球隊的實力自 2022 年卡達世界盃以來有所提升。日本隊目前位於 F 組，將對陣荷蘭、突尼西亞與瑞典。

Conclusion

Wataru Endo has retired from international football after being forced to withdraw from the 2026 World Cup due to injury.

遠藤航因傷被迫退出 2026 年世界盃，隨後宣布從國際足球退休。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Logic Link' Shift

At the A2 level, you probably use and, but, and because for everything. To reach B2, you need to replace these basic words with Transition Markers. These words act like road signs, telling the reader exactly how two ideas are connected.

🛠️ From A2 to B2: The Upgrade

Look at how the article connects ideas. Instead of simple sentences, it uses 'Professional Connectors':

  • Instead of "So..." →\rightarrow Consequently

    • A2: He was injured, so they picked a new player.
    • B2: He was injured; consequently, the Association replaced him.

  • Instead of "But..." →\rightarrow However

    • A2: He is sad, but he has no regrets.
    • B2: He felt frustrated; however, he asserted that he has no regrets.

  • Instead of "Also..." →\rightarrow Furthermore

    • A2: He is retired. Also, he thinks the team is better.
    • B2: He is retiring. Furthermore, he noted that the team's skills have improved.

💡 Pro Tip for Fluency

Notice that these B2 words (Consequently, However, Furthermore) often appear at the start of a sentence followed by a comma. This creates a rhythmic pause that makes your English sound more academic and controlled.

Quick Reference Table

GoalA2 Word (Simple)B2 Word (Advanced)
Show a resultSoConsequently
Show a contrastButHowever
Add more infoAnd/AlsoFurthermore

Vocabulary Learning

withdraw (v.)
To remove oneself from a competition, organization, or situation.
Example:The athlete had to withdraw from the race due to a sudden illness.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:The company lost a lot of money; consequently, they had to lay off several employees.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of reviewing the vocabulary before the exam.
asserted (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer asserted that her client was innocent despite the evidence.
rehabilitation (n.)
The process of recovering from an injury or illness through therapy and exercise.
Example:After his knee surgery, he spent six months in intensive rehabilitation.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→