Riyad Mahrez brought his 12-year international career to a close on the pitch in Vancouver, announcing his retirement moments after Algeria’s 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the World Cup round of 32. The 35-year-old captain, substituted in the 71st minute, told reporters: “This was my last match with the national team. I gave everything I have, and it is time to leave the way for a new generation to write its history.”

Switzerland seized control early at BC Place. Breel Embolo tapped in from close range in the 10th minute after a surging run and cutback by Johan Manzambi. The second goal arrived 46 seconds into the second half, when Dan Ndoye punished a pair of Algerian defensive errors with a precise right-footed finish. Algeria managed eight attempts to Switzerland’s 11, but only two on target, and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel preserved the clean sheet with two key saves.

Mahrez acknowledged the fine margins. “The match was within our reach,” he said. “We conceded two goals because of mistakes, and at this level you pay dearly. There were positives — we got past the first round — but we conceded too many goals to go further.” His departure was not a surprise; he had previously joked that 2026 would be his last World Cup, adding with a smile, “I’m not Cristiano.”

He leaves as one of Algeria’s most decorated players: 119 caps, 40 goals, and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title. Only defender Aïssa Mandi has made more appearances. From Algiers to Tehran, news organisations led with the retirement, framing it as the end of an era for the “Desert Warriors.”

Switzerland, reaching the last 16 for a fourth consecutive World Cup, will face the winner of Colombia versus Ghana. Algeria’s campaign ends at the first knockout hurdle, and with it, the international chapter of the winger who defined a generation.