Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the curtain down on one of the best international careers in Algerian football history.The 35-year-old confirmed his decision after Algeria’s 2-0 defeat by Switzerland in the round of 16 on Thursday, ending a national team run that spanned 119 appearances and included the country’s memorable triumph at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. “This was my last game for the national team,” Mahrez told beIN Sports after the defeat, with his comments later shared by football media platform 433.Mahrez retired with an impressive international record of 40 goals and 45 assists, establishing himself as one of the best African players of his generation.
A fitting end to a glittering international career
Mahrez’s retirement marks the end of an era for Algerian football.The former African Footballer of the Year was instrumental in Algeria’s 2019 African Cup of Nations title campaign, helping the Desert Foxes lift their second continental crown and cementing his legacy as one of the nation’s all-time greats.Known for his smooth dribbling, creativity and eye for goal, Mahrez has become one of the most influential players to represent Algeria on the international stage, while also enjoying a trophy-winning club career.His last appearance came at the FIFA World Cup, where Algeria returned to the global stage for the first time since 2014, but were unable to extend their campaign beyond the round of 16.
Switzerland ended Algeria’s World Cup dream
Switzerland produced a composed performance to secure a 2-0 victory and secure their place in the Round of 16.Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 10th minute after finishing an excellent move from the impressive Johan Manzambi, whose penetrating run and accurate cross unlocked the Algerian defence.The Swiss doubled their lead less than a minute into the second half when Dan Ndoye headed home from outside the box after a loose shot fell into his path.Despite Mahrez’s efforts to spark a comeback, Algeria struggled to break down Switzerland’s disciplined defence, while Fabian Rieder narrowly missed adding a third late in the contest.The win was historic for Switzerland, marking their first win in the knockout stages of the World Cup since 1938. They also won three consecutive World Cup games for the first time and will now face either Colombia or Ghana in Vancouver for a place in the quarter-finals.
