Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final appearance at international level, ruling out any possibility of featuring in the 2030 tournament.
Speaking candidly in an interview, the 34-year-old joked about his age and compared himself to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to play at the highest level well into his late thirties.
“Play in the 2030 World Cup? No, the 2026 one will be my last,” Mahrez said. “I’m not Cristiano Ronaldo,” he added with a laugh.
Mahrez, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, has been a mainstay in the Algerian national team for over a decade, famously helping his country win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019.
The former Manchester City winger expressed his pride in representing Algeria, saying he will miss pulling on the green shirt.
“I’ll miss not playing for Algeria anymore. I’m super proud to play for the country.”
With over 90 caps and dozens of international goals to his name, Mahrez is widely regarded as one of Algeria’s greatest-ever players. His leadership and flair have defined a generation of Algerian football.
Algeria will be aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Mahrez is expected to play a key role as the Fennec Foxes push to make an impact on the global stage one final time with their talismanic winger.
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