Riyad Mahrez Announces Retirement from International Football After World Cup Exit
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has retired from international football following his team's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup round of 32.
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Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football, confirming his decision after the Desert Foxes’ 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The loss marked the end of Algeria’s tournament campaign. Mahrez, who has been a central figure for the national team for over a decade, did not specify whether he would continue playing club football, focusing only on his international exit.
“I have decided to retire from playing for the national team,” Mahrez said, according to BBC Africa, which reported the announcement shortly after the match. Naija News also confirmed the retirement, citing the World Cup defeat as the catalyst for his decision.
Throughout his international career, Mahrez served as both a playmaker and leader, captaining Algeria in multiple tournaments including the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His performances helped Algeria reach the knockout stages in 2026, their first appearance in the round of 32 since 2014.
Algeria’s national football federation has not yet issued an official statement on Mahrez’s retirement, but tributes from teammates and fans have begun to emerge across social media.