Wataru Endo, Japan's key defensive midfielder, was forced to announce his international retirement after being ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to injury. On June 14, in Japan's Group D opener against the Netherlands, Endo's jersey hung on the bench throughout the match, which ended 2-2.
After the final whistle, Japan's players carried the jersey onto the pitch in an emotional tribute to their absent teammate. Former England captain Stephen Gerrard witnessed the gesture and praised its significance.
"The display of Endo's jersey at the end of the game was truly something special, a tribute to the player, a desire for him to be part of the team and play again. They celebrated not only the draw but also an important player they wanted to see in the squad," Gerrard said.