World Cup: Riyad Mahrez Retires From International Football After Algeria’s Exit

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has retired from international football after Switzerland ended his country’s FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory in the Round of 32.

The defeat at BC Place in Vancouver on Thursday brought Algeria’s tournament to an end and closed a major chapter in the career of one of the country’s greatest footballers. Switzerland struck through Breel Embolo in the 10th minute before Dan Ndoye doubled the lead early in the second half, sending the Swiss into the last 16 and leaving Algeria to reflect on missed chances.

Mahrez, 35, confirmed after the match that he had played his final game for the national team. The Al-Ahli forward said representing Algeria had fulfilled a childhood dream and described the honour of wearing the national shirt as one of the proudest achievements of his career.

“It is the new generation’s turn to play,” Mahrez said as he brought down the curtain on his international journey.

The former Manchester City and Leicester City winger left the pitch with visible emotion. He acknowledged the Algerian supporters, gave a thumbs-up, placed his hand on his heart and waved to the fans who had followed the team through the tournament.

Mahrez exits the national team as one of Algeria’s most decorated players. He made 119 appearances and scored 40 goals for the Desert Foxes, totals that place him among the highest in the country’s football history.

His final World Cup campaign still carried flashes of his quality. During the group stage, he scored twice and provided an assist in Algeria’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria, helping the team reach the knockout round before Switzerland ended their run.

Mahrez’s greatest moment with Algeria came in 2019, when he helped lead the country to the Africa Cup of Nations title. His leadership, technique and big-game influence made him a central figure in one of the strongest eras of Algerian football.

At club level, Mahrez also built an elite career. He won the Premier League with Leicester City in their historic 2015–16 season before moving to Manchester City, where he added more league titles and lifted the UEFA Champions League.