Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his country’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing down the curtain on one of the best international careers in Algerian football history.The 35-year-old confirmed his decision after Algeria’s 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the Round of 32 on Thursday, ending a journey with the national team that spanned 119 appearances and included a memorable win at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019. “This was my final match for the national team,” Mahrez told beIN Sports after the loss, with his comments later shared by football media platform 433.Mahrez bowed out with an impressive international record of 40 goals and 45 assists, establishing himself as one of the greatest African players of his generation.
A fitting end to a glittering international career
Mahrez’s retirement marks the end of an era in Algerian football.The former African Footballer of the Year was instrumental in Algeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title-winning campaign, helping the Desert Foxes lift their second continental crown and cementing his legacy as one of the nation’s greats.Known for his silky dribbling, creativity and eye for goal, Mahrez became one of the most influential players to represent Algeria on the international stage while also enjoying a trophy-laden 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 continue their campaign beyond the Round of 32.
Switzerland ended Algeria’s World Cup aspirations
Switzerland produced a composed performance to secure a 2-0 win and book their place in the Round of 16.Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a superb move by the impressive Johan Manzambi, whose driving run and precise cross opened up the Algerian defence.The Swiss doubled their advantage less than a minute into the second half when Dan Ndoye scored from outside the penalty area after a loose clearance fell into his path.Despite Mahrez’s efforts to inspire a comeback, Algeria struggled to break down Switzerland’s disciplined defence, while Fabian Rieder narrowly missed adding a third goal late in the contest.The victory was historic for Switzerland, marking their first World Cup knockout-stage victory since 1938. They also won three consecutive World Cup matches for the first time and will now face either Colombia or Ghana in Vancouver for a place in the quarterfinals.