Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his countrys elimination from the World Cup. The 35-year-old confirmed his decision after Algerias 2-0 defeat by Switzerland in the Round of 32, bringing an end to a distinguished international career spanning 12 years.Mahrez leaves the national team as one of the most decorated players in Algerian football history, having earned 120 caps and scored 40 goals for the Desert Foxes.The goal was to progress, and I think it was a game that was within our reach, Mahrez said after the defeat in Vancouver.We conceded two goals on mistakes, and at this level, we pay dearly for that.When asked if the match had been his final World Cup appearance, Mahrez confirmed his international career was over.Its my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game.Table of ContentsOne of Algerias greatest playersAFCON triumph and World Cup farewellOne of Algerias greatest playersMahrez finishes his Algeria career as the nations second-most capped player, behind only team-mate Aissa Mandi, while his 40 international goals place him second on the countrys all-time scoring charts behind Islam Slimani.Born in France, Mahrez chose to represent Algeria in 2013 and made his international debut ahead of the 2014 World Cup.He quickly established himself as a key figure for the national side and was part of the squad that reached the last-16 in Brazil.Over the following decade, Mahrez became one of the most recognisable figures in African football, combining his international success with trophy-laden spells at Leicester City and Manchester City.AFCON triumph and World Cup farewellThe highlight of Mahrezs international career came in 2019 when he captained Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory.He scored a dramatic stoppage-time free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-finals before leading his side to victory over Senegal in the final, securing Algerias first continental title since 1990.Mahrez also enjoyed his most productive World Cup campaign at this summers tournament.He registered three goal involvements in four matches, scoring twice against Austria and providing an assist against Jordan, setting a new benchmark for an Algerian player at a single World Cup.His final appearance against Switzerland also saw him become one of the oldest African players ever to start a World Cup knockout match. Topics Algeria national football team Riyad Mahrez Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Switzerland v Algeria: Live commentary, updates, goals and stats as it happened at World Cup 2026 Jon Fisher 3rd July, 2026 Switzerland v Algeria: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Jon Fisher 1st July, 2026 World Cup 2026: Last 32 ties confirmed as group stage ends Tom Rostance 28th June, 2026 It was a little crazy Austria and Algeria through after stoppage-time madness Tom Rostance 28th June, 2026 World Cup 2026 live: Algeria vs Austria confirmed teams and full line ups, TV channel, live online stream Jon Fisher 28th June, 2026 Algeria v Austria: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Jon Fisher 26th June, 2026
