Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following Algeria's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Algeria captain confirmed his decision after the Desert Warriors suffered a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 32 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, bringing their World Cup campaign to an end.
Mahrez bows out after a distinguished international career, having served as one of Algeria's greatest players and captained the national team in recent years.
He played a pivotal role in Algeria's triumph at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and remained a key figure throughout the country's recent international campaigns.
Against Switzerland, Algeria started brightly and created several early chances through Houssem Aouar, but Switzerland struck first in the 10th minute through Breel Embolo before Dan Ndoye doubled the lead just seconds into the second half.
Despite Algeria's efforts to respond, Mahrez and his teammates were unable to break down a disciplined Swiss defense, ending their World Cup journey in the Round of 32.
Mahrez's retirement marks the end of an era for Algerian football, closing an international career that saw him establish himself as one of the nation's most influential and decorated players.
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