Algeria star Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his country’s withdrawal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The 35-year-old confirmed his decision after Algeria lost 2-0 to Switzerland in the Round of 32 on Thursday, ending the national team’s 119-game tour and including a memorable victory at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. “This was my last game for the national team,” Mahrez told beIN Sports after the defeat, his comments later shared by 433 social media.Mahrez bowed out with an impressive international record of 40 goals and 45 assists, becoming one of the greatest African players of his generation.
A fitting end to a brilliant international career
Mahrez’s retirement is the end of an era for Algerian football.The former African Footballer of the Year was instrumental in a successful campaign in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, helping the Desert Foxes to lift their second crown and cementing his legacy as one of the country’s leading champions.Known for his silky play, skill and eye for the front, Mahrez has become one of Algeria’s standout players at the international level while also enjoying a heavy club career.His last appearance came at the FIFA World Cup, where Algeria returned to the international stage for the first time since 2014 but were unable to extend their campaign beyond the Round of 32.
Switzerland ends Algeria’s World Cup dreams
Switzerland produced a dramatic performance to win 2-0 and book their place in the Round of 16.Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 10th minute after completing a superb move by Johan Manzambi, whose speed and cross opened up the Algerian defence.The Swiss extended their lead less than a minute into the second half when Dan Ndoye struck from outside the penalty area after a loose clearance fell slowly into his path.Despite Mahrez’s efforts to fight back, Algeria struggled to break down Switzerland’s defence, with Fabian Rieder narrowly missing adding a third goal late in the tournament.The win was historic for Switzerland, marking their first World Cup knockout win since 1938. They have 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 quarterfinals.
