Mahrez makes African World Cup history, 46 years after Roger Milla

Riyad Mahrez etched his name into African football record books during Algeria’s 2-1 victory over Jordan, in the early hours of Tuesday at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, in the 2026 World Cup.

At 35 years and 4 months old, the former Manchester City player became the oldest African player to provide an assist at the World Cup since Roger Milla, who achieved the same feat at 38 years and 1 month against England at the 1990 World Cup. A record that has stood for 46 years, according to data compiled by the Stats du Foot account.

A substitute in the heavy opening defeat to Argentina (3-0), Mahrez regained his place in the starting eleven selected by Vladimir Petkovic. The Clichy native was active throughout the match, notably taking the corner that Nadhir Benbouali converted for Algeria’s equalizer in the 69th minute. He was replaced by Anis Hadj Moussa with a quarter of an hour remaining.

This assist adds to an already considerable international record: 118 caps and 38 goals in the Fennecs shirt. Thanks to this victory, Algeria are back in contention for the round of 16 after a catastrophic first match, and Mahrez could further enhance his legacy if the Greens manage to advance past the first round of this 2026 World Cup.