World Cup 2026: Riyad Mahrez retires from Algeria duty after exit in round of 32

Riyad Mahrez made his debut for Algeria in 2014

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his side's 2-0 defeat by Switzerland in the last 32 of the World Cup.

The 35-year-old confirmed the decision after the match, bringing the curtain down on a 12-year international career in which he earned 120 caps and scored 40 goals for the Desert Foxes.

"The goal was to progress, and I think it was a game that was within our reach," Mahrez said. "We conceded two goals on mistakes, and at this level, we pay dearly for that."

Asked whether the loss in Vancouver would be his final World Cup appearance, Mahrez replied: "It's my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game."

Switzerland beat Algeria for first World Cup knockout win in 88 years

Mahrez finishes his Algeria career as the country's second-most capped player, behind only team-mate Aissa Mandi's 123 appearances, and second on the all-time scoring list with 40 goals, trailing only Islam Slimani's 49.

He captained Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2019, memorably scoring a stoppage-time free-kick in the semi-final against Nigeria before his side beat Senegal in the final to lift their first continental title since 1990.

The former Leicester City and Manchester City winger also enjoyed his finest World Cup campaign this summer.

He registered three goal involvements in four matches, scoring twice against Austria and providing an assist against Jordan, with no Algerian player ever recording more in a single edition of the tournament.

Algeria and Austria both qualify for last 32 after dramatic injury-time goals

He also became the second-oldest African player to start a World Cup knockout match, behind only Senegal's Idrissa Gueye earlier in the tournament.

Born in France, Mahrez chose to represent Algeria in 2013 and made his debut before the 2014 World Cup.

He went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in the nation's history, reaching the last 16 at his first World Cup in Brazil and becoming one of only a handful of Algerian footballers to surpass 100 international appearances.

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