Riyad Mahrez announces international retirement following Algeria’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez announced his retirement from international football after his team was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by Switzerland.

Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye on target for the Swiss as they beat Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32 in Vancouver on Thursday.

Mahrez, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League team Al-Ahli in club football, ended his international career with 113 caps and 39 goals.

READ ALSO | Switzerland beats Algeria to book place in the 16th round

Born in Clichy, France, Mahrez chose to play for Algeria in 2013, thanks to his Algerian heritage through both his mother and father.

In 2016 he received the African Footballer of the Year award. In 2019, he led Algeria to the African Cup of Nations title.

At the 2026 World Cup, Mahrez scored twice for Algeria in a group match against Austria.

Published on July 3, 2026