Algiers: Algerian star player Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following Algeria's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Round of 32 after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland. In his statement after the match, Mahrez expressed his disappointment, noting, "The game was within our grasp. We tried to secure qualification, but we conceded two goals due to mistakes."

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Mahrez, who served as the Algerian captain, acknowledged the team's performance despite their elimination. He stated, "There are always positives despite being eliminated. We made it through the group stage and reached the second round. I think we deserved better." Reflecting on his career, he concluded, "This was my last match with the national team. I spent 12 years with the team, and I'm happy about that. It was an exceptional and wonderful journey. I gave everything I had to the Algerian national team. Now it's time to leave and make way for a new generation to write its own history."

At 35 years and 131 days old, Mahrez became the second oldest African player to start a World Cup knockout match, following Senegal's Idrissa Gueye, who at 36 years and 278 days old, played against Belgium in the current tournament's round of 32.