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- Riyad Mahrez Announces His Retirement from the Algeria National Team After the 2026 World Cup
Riyad Mahrez Announces His Retirement from the Algeria National Team After the 2026 World Cup
The legendary Desert Foxes captain has brought his international career to an end following Algeria's elimination in the Round of 32.
The end of an era for Algerian football
Algeria's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup was followed by another emotional moment as Riyad Mahrez confirmed that the defeat against Switzerland marked the final appearance of his international career.
Shortly after the match, the longtime captain announced that he was stepping away from the national team, bringing to a close a journey that spanned more than a decade and established him as one of Algeria's greatest footballers.
"This was my last match for the national team," Mahrez said as he officially confirmed his retirement.
A legacy among Algeria's all-time greats
The Al-Ahli winger leaves the national team as one of the most accomplished players in Algerian football history.
Across 119 international appearances, Mahrez scored 40 goals, making him the second-highest scorer in the history of the Desert Foxes, trailing only Islam Slimani.
Beyond his goals, Mahrez consistently created opportunities for his teammates, contributing numerous assists and playing a direct role in many of Algeria's biggest successes over the past decade.
A captain who inspired a generation
Statistics tell only part of Mahrez's story with the national team.
His leadership, technical brilliance, and ability to deliver in the biggest moments made him the face of Algerian football for years, guiding the Desert Foxes through some of the most memorable chapters in their modern history.
His retirement also signals the beginning of a new era as Algeria prepares to build its next generation ahead of future international competitions.
Algeria pays tribute to its captain
Following the announcement, tributes quickly poured in from the Algerian Football Federation, teammates, and supporters around the world.
The national team shared a heartfelt message on social media thanking its captain for his years of dedication and unforgettable contributions while wearing the Algerian jersey.
Mahrez now steps away from international football leaving behind a remarkable legacy and his place among the greatest players ever to represent Algeria.
