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Mahrez confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last with Algeria

At 35, the Fennecs captain announced he will not play in any World Cup after the 2026 edition, on the eve of the Round of 16 against Switzerland.

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Mahrez confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last with Algeria
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Riyad Mahrez confirmed Thursday that he will retire from the World Cup after the 2026 edition, on the eve of the Round of 16 that Algeria will play against Switzerland this Friday.

“It is perhaps time for me to pass the torch and stop. This will be my last World Cup, that is certain,” said the 35-year-old winger, quoted by La Gazette du Fennec.

The Fennecs captain wanted to place this announcement in the context of the historic stakes of the moment. Algeria has never won a knockout match at the World Cup, and this Round of 16 represents an unprecedented opportunity to cross that threshold. “Our objective was to get through this first round, and we achieved it. Our country has never won a knockout match at the World Cup. It is up to us to make sure that happens. For us, for our families and for our country. That is what matters most,” he added.

Mahrez is expected to start Friday for this Round of 16, alongside Gouiri and Chaïbi in attack. The former Manchester City player intends to sign off in a manner befitting his status before passing the baton to the next generation.

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