End of an era! Riyad Mahrez retires from international football following Algeria’s exit from the FIFA World Cup

Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez (7) during a World Cup match. (AP photo) Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the curtain down on one of the best international careers in Algerian football history.The 35-year-old confirmed his decision after Algeria’s 2-0 defeat by Switzerland in the round of 32 on Thursday, bringing to an end an international journey that spanned 119 appearances and included the country’s memorable triumph at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. “It was my last game for the national team,” Mahrez told beIN Sports after the defeat, with his comments later shared by football media platform 433.Mahrez rocked an impressive international record of 40 goals and 45 assists, establishing himself as one of the best African players of his generation.

A fitting end to a glittering international career

Mahrez’s retirement marks the end of an era in Algerian football.The former African Footballer of the Year featured in Algeria’s victorious 2019 African Cup of Nations campaign, helping the Desert Foxes lift their second continental crown and cementing his legacy as one of the nation’s all-time greats.Known for his silky dribbling, creativity and eye for goal, Mahrez has become one of the most influential players to represent Algeria on the international stage while enjoying a trophy-laden club career.His last appearance came at the FIFA World Cup, where Algeria returned to the global stage for the first time since 2014, but failed to extend their campaign beyond the round of 32.

Switzerland ended Algeria’s World Cup dream

Switzerland put in a composed performance to secure a 2-0 victory and secure a place in the round of 16.Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 10th minute after finishing a superb move set up by the impressive Johan Manzambi, whose drive and accurate cross unlocked the Algerian defence.The Swiss doubled their lead less than a minute into the second half when Dan Ndoye struck from outside the penalty area after a free pass fell kindly into his path.Despite Mahrez’s efforts to inspire a comeback, Algeria struggled to break down Switzerland’s disciplined defense while Fabian Rieder narrowly missed the third goal late in the match.The victory was historic for Switzerland, marking their first World Cup victory in the knockout stages since 1938. They also won three consecutive World Cup matches for the first time and will now face either Colombia or Ghana in Vancouver for a place in the quarter-finals.