Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has just set a record that may never be broken

Japan captain Wataru Endo and his international teammates have been in unbelievable form during their 2026 World Cup qualification run. 

The Liverpool midfielder has been integral to the Blue Samurai's efforts thus far as they have amassed a perfect record in the Asian Football Confederation qualifying section.

Read more: Inter Milan interested in Endo move 

Hajime Moriyasu has led his team to a record of 9-0-0 in the qualification sequence so far, with one of those wins being marked down as a forfeit.

North Korea declined to send a team to Japan in March, citing concerns of a disease spreading, meaning Japan were awarded a 3-0 win.

But in every other game, Japan have been impeccable. In fact, they have yet to concede a single goal with their goal difference standing at a mighty +38 after nine matches.

Japan's perfect record

The AFC World Cup qualification series is split into different stages with 26 teams - including Japan - advancing straight to the second round.

There, they beat North Korea, Syria and Myanmar, home and away, before advancing to the third round of qualification.

So far they have outclassed China, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia by an aggregate score of 14-0 with Endo netting in the game against China - a 7-0 rout.

Japan's latest match was against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah earlier this week, a 2-0 win, giving them a maximum nine points from nine so far in the section.

Incredibly it's the first time in ANY World Cup qualification campaign in ANY confederation that a team has won nine matches out of nine without conceding a goal, according to noted statistical account on X Mister Chip.

Granted, one of those matches was won on the ledger rather than the field but it is still a landmark achievement.

Japan are next in action against Australia on Tuesday where they will be hoping to extend their perfect run.

Endo linked with Liverpool exit

Endo, 31, looks like he will still be leading the team by the time the World Cup in North America rolls around in 2026. However, he might not be representing his country as a Liverpool player by that time.

The ex-Stuttgart man has been heavily linked with the Anfield exit this year with new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot seemingly not a fan of his talents.

Inter, along with a host of Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for the midfield dynamo, although Liverpool are believed to be holding out for a relatively high price for him.

A Marseille move for Endo fell down over summer owing to the timing of the bid from Roberto De Zerbi's side as well as a lack of cover in the Liverpool squad.

Nonetheless, Endo is still a capable performer, establishing himself as a cult hero for the Reds' faithful throughout his first season in England.