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Wataru Endo will make an early return to Merseyside this international break after Japan’s 2026 World Cup qualifier was postponed.

The Japan skipper was set to lead his side against North Korea this coming Tuesday, but the game has since been postponed due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

Because of “unavoidable circumstances,” North Korea has requested that the match be transferred to a neutral location.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) then confirmed that the match had been postponed.

An AFC statement reads (via the Liverpool Echo):

“The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed today that the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 ™- Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Group B fixture between DPR Korea and Japan, scheduled to be played on March 26, 2024, will not take place as scheduled due to unforeseen circumstances.”

“The decision, taken in consultation with FIFA and relevant stakeholders, comes after the AFC was informed on March 20 by the DPR Korea Football Association of the need to move the match to a neutral venue due to unavoidable circumstances.”

“The matter will now be referred to the relevant Committees in FIFA with further updates to be communicated in due course.” 

Endo has put an enormous shift since the turn of the new year, and will likely appreciate some extra rest.

The 30-year-old looked a bit leggy ( like many of the Liverpool players) during the 4-3 loss to Manchester United.

In their most recent qualifier, Japan defeated North Korea 1-0 at home on Thursday
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