Mahrez Announces 2026 World Cup Will Be His Final Tournament

Algerian football star Riyad Mahrez confirmed that the upcoming 2026 World Cup will mark the end of his international career. The announcement follows Algeria’s qualification for their fifth appearance at the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Mahrez, who plays for Al-Ahli, contributed to this achievement by scoring once and providing two assists during Algeria’s decisive 3-0 victory over Somalia in the African qualifying round.

In an interview with Algerian media, the 34-year-old winger stated, “This will be my last World Cup. I’m not Ronaldo (40). I’ll give everything I have to represent Algeria in the best possible way.” Mahrez, who will turn 35 in February 2024, has made a significant impact on the national team, now boasting 33 goals in 106 international appearances.

Algeria’s World Cup Journey

Mahrez’s performance in the qualifying match was pivotal, as he helped secure top spot in Group G, ensuring a place in the finals next year. Reflecting on the team’s achievement, he expressed gratitude towards his teammates, coach, and fans for their unwavering support. “We dominated from start to finish,” he remarked. He emphasized the importance of the victory, stating, “I thank God for this important win. I’m happy to have helped with two assists, but the most important thing is that we’ve officially qualified.”

Algeria’s history in the World Cup includes previous appearances in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014. Their best performance came in 2014 in Brazil, where they reached the round of 16 for the first time before being eliminated by eventual champions Germany in extra time.

Looking Ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations

With the World Cup on the horizon, Mahrez also indicated that the focus will soon shift to the Africa Cup of Nations. As Algeria prepares for this prestigious tournament, the team aims to build on their recent successes and solidify their status as a formidable force in African football.

As Mahrez prepares for his swan song on the world stage, fans and football enthusiasts alike will be eager to see how the talented winger leads his team in the coming months.