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.

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 plot

With 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 charge

Now, 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 STAGE

Round of 32

Sunday

South Africa - Canada 0-1 (0-0)

/Eustaquio 90+2/

Monday

Brazil - Japan 2-1 (0-1)

/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 - Sano 29/

Germany - Paraguay 3-4 on penalties (0-1)

/Havertz 54 - Enciso 42/

Tuesday

Netherlands - 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/

Wednesday

Mexico - 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/

Thursday

USA - B&H 2-0 (1-0)

/Balogun 45, Tillman 82/

Spain - Austria 3-0 (1-0)

/Oyarzabal 36, 89, Porro 66/

Friday

Portugal - 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)

Saturday

01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)

04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***