Switzerland’s composed 2-0 victory over Algeria in Vancouver on Thursday not only ended the North African side’s World Cup campaign but also prompted captain Riyad Mahrez to announce his immediate international retirement. The 35-year-old winger, the face of the Desert Foxes for more than a decade, confirmed the decision in a pitch-side interview, stating simply: “This was my final match for the national team.”

The Swiss seized control early at BC Place. Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 10th minute, finishing a sweeping move created by Johan Manzambi’s driving run and precise cross. Dan Ndoye doubled the lead less than a minute into the second half, punishing a loose clearance with a strike from outside the penalty area. Algeria, who had advanced from the group stage as one of the best third-placed teams, struggled to break down a disciplined Swiss defence. Mahrez acknowledged the defensive lapses, telling reporters: “We conceded two goals from mistakes, and at this level you cannot get away with that.” He added that while there were positives in reaching the knockout rounds, “we conceded too many goals to aim higher.”

Mahrez’s departure closes a chapter that saw him earn 119 caps, score 40 goals, and provide 45 assists. He captained Algeria to their second Africa Cup of Nations title in 2019 and was named African Footballer of the Year. During this tournament he surpassed Aissa Mandi to become Algeria’s most-capped player. Analysts in North Africa note that his retirement marks the end of a golden generation that also reached the 2014 World Cup knockout stages, with Mahrez the last on-field link to that era.

Switzerland, meanwhile, recorded their first World Cup knockout-stage win since 1938 and a third consecutive victory in the competition. They will face the winner of the Colombia-Ghana tie in the round of 16, also in Vancouver. For Algeria, the focus shifts to rebuilding without the talisman who defined their recent history.