Desert Foxes’ captain leaves the fold: Mahrez announces international retirement

Algeria's run at the 2026 World Cup ended this morning with a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 32.However, it wasn't the only journey that came to an end, as the national team captain, Riyad Mahrez, announced his international retirement."It's my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game," the former Manchester City forward said in a post-game interview via the BBC.🚨 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Riyad Mahrez announces his 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 from international football 😢🇩🇿"This was my final match for the national team," he told beIN Sports after Algeria's elimination.🏟️ 119 games⚽ 40 goals🅰️ 45 assists🏆 AFCON 2019🥇 2016 African… pic.twitter.com/O5XZNMpDlK— 433 (@433) July 3, 2026 In this way, the curtain falls on one of the most successful spells in Algerian football history, masterminded by arguably the greatest player this country has ever produced.During the 1980s, the Desert Foxes were particularly triumphant at the Africa Cup of Nations, finishing fourth once, third twice, and runners-up once, as well as winning one trophy in 1990. The second one came 29 years later, lifted by Mahrez as the captain.Nevertheless, the generation from the past century failed to establish Algeria on the World Cup stage, as its two participations ended in two group-stage exits.All African teams are alike; each unhappy ending has the same plotWith Mahrez, the Desert Foxes also featured twice, but advanced to the knockout phase both times. In Brazil, they were stopped by Germany after extra time. This year, Switzerland was a hurdle they couldn’t overcome.Still, they held their heads high.As for Mahrez, he remains the most recognizable – and arguably the greatest – name in Algerian football history.Senegal's AFCON hero quits national team as long as Thiaw & Co. are in chargeNow, after 12 years with the national team, the 35-year-old leaves as its second most-capped player with 119 appearances (only three behind the leader Aissa Mandi) and second all-time leading scorer with 40 goals.It's time for a new era for the Algeria national team, but they are unlikely to find another inspirational figure like Mahrez to drive them forward.WORLD CUP – KNOCKOUT STAGERound of 32SundaySouth Africa – Canada 0-1 (0-0)/Eustaquio 90+2/MondayBrazil – Japan 2-1 (0-1)/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 – Sano 29/Germany – Paraguay 3-4 on penalties (0-1)/Havertz 54 – Enciso 42/TuesdayNetherlands – Morocco 2-3 on penalties (1-1)/Gakpo 72 – Diop 90+1/Ivory Coast – Norway 1-2 (0-1)/Diallo 74 – Nusa 39, Haaland 86/France – Sweden 3-0 (1-0)/Mbappe 45, 74 Barcola 53/WednesdayMexico – Ecuador 2-0 (2-0)/Quinones 22, Jimenez 31/England – DR Congo 2-1 (0-1)/Kane 75, 86 – Cipenga 7/Belgium – Senegal 3-2 a.e.t. (2-2)/Lukaku 86, Tielemans 89, 120+5 pen – Diarra 25, Sarr I. 51/ThursdayUSA – B&H 2-0 (1-0)/Balogun 45, Tillman 82/Spain – Austria 3-0 (1-0)/Oyarzabal 36, 89, Porro 66/FridayPortugal – Croatia 2-1 (0-0)/Ronaldo 68 pen, Ramos 90+4 – Perisic 53/Switzerland – Algeria 2-0 (1-0)/Embolo 10, Ndoye 46/21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55) Saturday01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0) 04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50) ***odds are subject to change***