Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following Algeria’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Algeria was defeated 2-0 by Switzerland in the round of 32 match held in Vancouver, marking the end of Mahrez’s international career.

The 35-year-old winger and former Manchester City player captained Algeria to victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and this tournament represented his second World Cup appearance. Mahrez, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, confirmed that the match against Switzerland would be his final outing for the national team.

In a statement reflecting on his career, Mahrez described representing Algeria as a lifelong dream and expressed pride in wearing the national jersey. He acknowledged the ups and downs experienced over his international tenure, which included scoring 40 goals in 119 appearances. Looking ahead, Mahrez urged the country’s younger players to take up the mantle as he steps away.

Algeria’s World Cup journey ended earlier than anticipated, falling short of their best performance in 2014 when they reached the round of 16. The Swiss side secured their first knockout-stage victory at the World Cup since 1938, with new Nottingham Forest forward Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo scoring the decisive goals.

Mahrez attributed Algeria’s defeat primarily to defensive errors, stating that such lapses are costly at the highest level of competition. “Our aim was to go through,” he said. “We could have won, but we conceded twice after mistakes and at this level, you can’t get away with it.” Despite the loss, he identified positives in Algeria advancing from the group stage but noted that conceding too many goals limited the team's ambitions.

As Algeria looks to rebuild, Mahrez’s retirement signals a transition phase, with expectations that emerging talent will take over leadership and performance roles for future campaigns.