Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 35-year-old confirmed that the Round of 32 defeat to Switzerland marked his final appearance for the Desert Foxes, bringing an end to an outstanding international career that spanned more than a decade.
Mahrez made the announcement shortly after Algeria’s 2-0 loss to Switzerland, describing the match as his last in the national team’s colours.
His decision closes a remarkable chapter in Algerian football, during which he established himself as one of the country’s greatest-ever players and captains.The winger retires with 120 international appearances, scoring 40 goals while playing a pivotal role in several memorable campaigns.
Among his greatest achievements was leading Algeria to victory at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, a triumph that cemented his status as a national icon. Throughout his international career, Mahrez was known for his creativity, leadership, and ability to deliver in crucial moments, earning admiration from football fans around the world.
Although Algeria’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, Mahrez’s contribution to the national team remains significant. His leadership helped inspire a new generation of players, and his performances consistently placed Algeria among Africa’s strongest football nations.
His retirement signals the end of an era for the Desert Foxes as they begin planning for the future without one of their most influential starsMahrez will now turn his full attention to his club career, leaving behind an international legacy defined by success, consistency, and dedication.
His impact on Algerian football is expected to be remembered for many years as supporters celebrate one of the country’s finest footballers
