Japan's national team coach, Hajime Moriyasu, issued a public apology following a difficult decision regarding captain Wataru Endo. The coach acknowledged that Endo would be deeply "hurt" after being excluded from the World Cup roster. This decision effectively ended the captain's hopes of participating in the tournament. The announcement came just before the start of the competition in Dallas. Moriyasu expressed regret over the timing and the emotional impact of the move. The exclusion of a key leader like Endo marks a significant shift for the squad. The team now prepares for the tournament without their primary captain.