Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from the Algeria National Men’s Football Team in the wake of the North African country’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Algeria lost 2-0 to Switzerland at the round of 32 stage after conceding goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye in the 10th and 46th minute respectively.
Switzerland have since qualified to take on the winner of the Ghana v Colombia game in the round of 16 stage. Ghana’s clash against Colombia takes place on Saturday, July 4.
35 year old Mahrez , who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, played 71 minutes in the game before he was replaced by Anis Hadj Moussa. Following the loss, he stated,
“There were good times and difficult times as well, of course. That’s part of a career but representing Algeria has been a dream of mine ever since I was young, to play for my country.”
“It’s been an immense honor and a great source of pride. It is the new generation’s turn to play.”
Mahrez won the 2019 AFCON with Algeria and made the second most appearances-119- in the North African nation’s history.
