Football: these African executives leave the national teams in 2026 -

Several players who marked the last years of African football have ended their international careers in 2026, such as Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Senegal’s Édouard Mendy, Algeria’s Aïssa Mandi, Ivorians Jean-Michaël Seri and Seko Fofana and Ghana’s Iñaki Williams, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said on its website.

Departures of African football executives are noted as the teams concerned prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers, offering a new configuration to several teams on the continent.

With Algeria, Riyad Mahrez played 119 matches and scored 40 goals, according to CAF. The former Leicester City and Manchester City player won the 2019 AFCON with the Fennecs. He also scored the winning goal against Nigeria in the semi-finals of this edition.

His compatriot Aïssa Mandi, a defender, has more than 110 caps. He was part of the Algerian team crowned African champion in 2019 after its victory in the final against Senegal.

In Senegal, Édouard Mendy has also marked the recent history of the Lions of Teranga. A starting goalkeeper during the 2021 AFCON title, he had notably contributed to the Senegalese victory in the final against Egypt. CAF recalls that he had been named best goalkeeper of this edition.

On the Ivory Coast side, Jean-Michaël Seri and Seko Fofana have also announced their international retirement. The two midfielders participated in the Elephants’ coronation at the 2023 AFCON, organized in Côte d’Ivoire. Seri has played several continental campaigns with the Ivorian national team, while Fofana has 34 caps, according to CAF.

Finally, Ghanaian Iñaki Williams has ended his career with the Black Stars after four years in the national jersey. The Athletic Club striker played 28 games with Ghana and scored two goals, while participating in the AFCON and two editions of the World Cup, CAF said.