2026 World Cup: Riyad Mahrez announces international retirement after Algeria’s exit against Switzerland
A Fennecs icon has called time on his international career. Speaking to beIN Sports in the aftermath of Algeria’s 0-2 defeat to Switzerland in the round of 16, Riyad Mahrez said his 35-year run with the national team was over. “Last appearance for the team. That was my final match,” he said, before giving a blunt take on the loss. “It was a game we could have won. We give away two goals through our own mistakes, and at this level you pay for it. We didn’t disgrace ourselves, but when you concede that many goals, you’re not going to get much out of it.”
Mahrez leaves the national side with 119 caps, the second-highest total in Algeria’s history behind Aissa Mandi (122), and 40 goals, also second only to Islam Slimani (46). The Al-Ahli winger, a Le Havre academy product, was playing at his second World Cup after the 2014 edition, the year he made his international debut. His career with Algeria was crowned by the 2019 AFCON title, only the country’s second, following the 1990 triumph, and sealed in front of an Algerian public in full celebration.
on MathODDS
A legend walks away, Algeria has to rebuild
A five-time English champion and a Premier League winner with Leicester in 2016 in one of football’s wildest shocks, Mahrez leaves behind a huge body of work at club and international level. His skill, pace and knack for producing something out of nothing made him one of the most recognisable African players of his generation. For the Fennecs, he often carried the attacking load almost on his own when it mattered most.
This World Cup leaves a bitter taste. Nine goals conceded in four matches, fans booing their own team, and an exit that barely registered. Mahrez’s departure leaves Algeria staring at a blank page, with a new generation now expected to step up for the next round of international fixtures. The legend signed off under the Canadian sun, a long way from the noise and fury of 2019.
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