# Elyes Skhiri international football retirement

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/elyes-skhiri-international-football-retirement
> Updated: 2026-09-22T10:48:23.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Elyes Skhiri, captain of the Tunisia national football team, announced his retirement from international football in September 2026. Skhiri, a midfielder who earned 86 caps and participated in three FIFA World Cups between 2016 and 2026, stated that representing his country was a “source of great pride and honor.”

Following his announcement, his club, 1. FC Köln, confirmed the retirement. The club also noted that Skhiri, who recently rejoined the team from Eintracht Frankfurt on a contract through 2028, intends to focus on his club career. Additionally, 1. FC Köln announced a long-term contract extension for 19-year-old midfielder Kristiyan Irmiev.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: 1. FC Köln secures contract extension and announces Skhiri international retirement

1. FC Köln extends midfielder Kristiyan Irmiev’s contract and announces that returning player Elyes Skhiri is retiring from international football with Tunisia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/1-fc-kln-secures-contract-extension-and-announces-skhiri-international-retirement

### 2026-09-17: Elyes Skhiri announces retirement from Tunisia national team

Tunisia national team captain Elyes Skhiri has announced his retirement from international football after 86 caps and three World Cup appearances, opting to focus on his club career with 1. FC Köln.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elyes-skhiri-announces-retirement-from-tunisia-national-team

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Cite as: Elyes Skhiri international football retirement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/elyes-skhiri-international-football-retirement