Japan’s national team coach, Hajime Moriyasu, has publicly apologized to Wataru Endo after omitting the veteran captain from the final squad for the upcoming World Cup. Endo, currently playing for Liverpool, was surprisingly left off the 26-man roster, sparking considerable debate among fans and media. Moriyasu explained the decision was based purely on tactical considerations and the current form of other players, emphasizing the difficulty of making such choices. He acknowledged causing Endo “great hurt” and expressed his deep respect for the player’s contributions to the national team. The coach stated he spoke directly with Endo to explain the reasoning, but the decision remains controversial given Endo’s experience and leadership qualities. This marks the first time Endo has been excluded from a major tournament squad since Moriyasu took charge. The omission raises questions about Japan’s midfield strategy as they prepare to compete in the World Cup.