Aïssa Mandi retires from Algeria's national team, recalls 2022 World Cup heartbreak

Central defender Aïssa Mandi announced his retirement from the Algeria national team on 22 July, ending a 13‑year international career that included 123 caps – the most in the team's history. He reflected on his most painful memory: the 2022 World Cup play‑off loss to Cameroon, saying he still experiences flashbacks from the dramatic penalty shoot‑out.

Mandi, now a Levante UD player, highlighted his aim to help Algeria qualify for the 2026 World Cup as a form of redemption. He credited his durability to a nightly stretching routine he has followed for over 16 years, which he says has kept injuries to a minimum throughout his career that began with Lille OSC and spanned multiple major tournaments, including the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations victory.

His professionalism and commitment were praised by former teammates and coaches, underscoring his status as one of Algeria's most emblematic players.