Mahrez announced after being eliminated from the 2026 World Cup: "This is the last match against Algeria."

Switzerland advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup after defeating Algeria 2-0 in the round of 16, thanks to a Moreto goal. Embolo and Sadiqand Dandoj forced Algeria to end their tour of the tournament. After the match, Algerian star Riyad Mahrez spoke to FIFA's official channel and admitted his disappointment at being eliminated. “It's hard to accept being eliminated like this. Our goal is to qualify. We felt it was a match at the level we could do. It is a shame that we have to leave now,” he said. Mahrez also pointed out the team's overall performance. "Our path? There are clearly positive things. We made it through the group and we didn't perform particularly badly. But we gave them too many chances.” Mahrez then announced the news that fans had predicted that this match would be his last for his home country. "If this is your last time playing with the national team or not? I can confirm that this will be my last match for the Algerian national team.” Mahrez, 35, currently has one year remaining on his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Following this announcement, he will return to focus on the club's mission. And the match against Switzerland would become his final chapter in the national shirt. Algeria's exit from the World Cup concludes the team's journey in this tournament. But Mahrez's performance and passing will be something fans and the industry will remember forever. --- ## Related Articles 1. [Colombia vs RD Congo, highlights della partita](https://azzurrigoal.com/it/news/colombia-vs-rd-congo-highlights-della-partita) 2. [Coupe du Monde 2026 : Le Mexique bat l'Équateur et fonce en huitièmes de finale](https://onzeactu.com/fr/news/coupe-du-monde-2026-le-mexique-bat-lequateur-et-fonce-en-huitiemes-de-finale)