Mahrez's International Farewell
Algeria Captain Riyad Mahrez Ends Storied International Career Following World Cup Elimination
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Key Points
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International tallies for Mahrez at retirement vary across outlets: some report 119 caps and 40 goals, others list 113 caps and 39 goals, and one source cites 119 caps with 85 goal contributions (goals + assists).
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Mahrez played a pivotal role in Algeria’s AFCON 2019 triumph, including a memorable late free-kick against Nigeria to help send the Desert Warriors to the final.
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Switzerland’s 2-0 victory over Algeria in the Round of 32 made them the first team to win three games in a single World Cup edition, marking a historic three-win run for the side.
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In the post-match remarks, Mahrez said the defeat prevented them from achieving more and that the match represented his last on the international stage for Algeria.
Riyad Mahrez has retired from international football after Algeria's 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. The 35-year-old captain confirmed the decision in a post-match interview, saying the defeat prevented them from achieving more and that the game was his last for the Desert Warriors. Africa Top Sports reported that Aïssa Mandi also announced his retirement from the national team the same day.
Mahrez ends a 12-year international career as one of Algeria's greatest ever players. Yahoo Sports reported he earned 120 caps and scored 40 goals for his country — a record that cements his place in Algerian football history.
Algeria's 2-0 Defeat Ends a World Cup Dream
Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32, knocking them out of the 2026 World Cup. It was a heavy blow for Mahrez and his teammates. Head Topics noted that Switzerland became the first team to win three games in a single World Cup edition with that result — a historic run for the Swiss side.
Mahrez spoke openly after the match. He said the loss stopped Algeria from going further and that representing his country at this level was now over. The defeat marked a painful end to a long and celebrated chapter in his international life.
Mahrez's Stats and Legacy With Algeria
Figures vary slightly across outlets, but the scale of Mahrez's contribution is clear. Yahoo Sports put his total at 120 caps and 40 international goals. Other reports cite 119 caps, 40 goals, and 85 combined goals and assists. Whichever number you take, he is Algeria's all-time great.
He led by example as captain and set the standard for Algerian football over more than a decade. His creativity, pace, and ability to produce in big moments made him the player fans always looked to when it mattered most.
The 2019 AFCON Triumph That Defined His Career
The peak of Mahrez's international career came at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria won the tournament, and Mahrez was central to that success. His most iconic moment came against Nigeria in the semi-final, when he curled in a late free-kick to send the Desert Warriors to the final. Africa Top Sports highlighted that goal as one of the defining moments of his international career.
That AFCON title ended a 29-year wait for Algeria. Mahrez lifted the trophy as one of the team's key players. It remains the high point of his time in the green and white shirt.
Club Career Continues as Algeria Plans for the Future
Mahrez is stepping away from international duty, but his club career is not over. Head Topics confirmed he is expected to keep playing at club level, where his skill and leadership remain highly valued. At 35, he still has plenty to offer at the top of the game.
For Algeria, the challenge now is finding a new leader. Mahrez leaves a large gap — in quality, experience, and character. The national team will need to rebuild around a new generation as it looks ahead to future tournaments without its long-serving captain.
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