Former Manchester City star, Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following Algeria’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 35-year-old captain confirmed his decision after Algeria suffered a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 32, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 12-year international career. Speaking after the match, Mahrez said the World Cup clash was his final appearance for the Desert Foxes.
Mahrez retires as one of Algeria’s greatest-ever players, having made 119 appearances and scored 40 goals for his country. He captained Algeria to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title and played a key role in the nation’s return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence.
Algeria’s World Cup campaign ended after goals from Switzerland’s Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye sealed a 2-0 victory in the knockout tie. Despite the disappointment, Mahrez’s international career is widely regarded as one of the finest in Algerian football history, with his leadership and achievements leaving a lasting legacy.
