Aïssa Mandi announces Algeria retirement after 2026 World Cup exit

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·23 July 2026

Aïssa Mandi announces Algeria retirement after 2026 World Cup exit

Aïssa Mandi has announced his international retirement from Algeria at 34, days after Riyad Mahrez. It ends more than a decade with the Fennecs, concluded with a final World Cup in 2026.

The player said in a post on Wednesday that he was stepping away from the national team. The announcement followed Algeria’s round of 32 defeat by Switzerland, 2-0, at the 2026 World Cup.

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In a video message, the Stade de Reims academy graduate addressed supporters and said it was time for him to say goodbye.

Mandi departs as Algeria’s most-capped player with 122 appearances and eight goals, spanning more than 10 years.

His international career was highlighted by the Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2019. At club level, he has also moved this summer from LOSC to Levante.

Source: L'Équipe