Top African stars to miss 2027 AFCON qualifiers after international retirement
Several leading African footballers will be absent from the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after announcing their international retirement in 2026.
Key Takeaways
AIThe qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will see the absence of several of the continent’s top football stars, following their announcements of international retirement in 2026, marking the end of a significant era for their national teams.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) highlighted on its official website the names of players who made a major impact in their national teams’ histories and will miss the qualifiers, which are scheduled to take place next year in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
Mahrez, Mendy, and Mandi among the most notable absentees
Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez leads the list of retirees after a 12-year international career, during which he played 119 matches, scored 40 goals, and led the Desert Warriors to the 2019 AFCON title. Mahrez announced his retirement after Algeria’s exit in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup against Switzerland.
Senegal’s Edouard Mendy, the goalkeeper who guided his country to its first continental title in 2021 and kept four clean sheets during the tournament, is also among the key players stepping down. Mendy ended his international career after around 60 appearances for the Teranga Lions.
Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi has also concluded his international journey after more than 110 matches. A vital part of Algeria’s 2019 AFCON triumph, his departure leaves the team without one of its most experienced defenders.
Ivory Coast and Ghana stars bid farewell
Ivory Coast’s Jean Michaël Seri ended his 11-year spell with the Elephants, having been part of the squad that won the 2023 AFCON. His teammate Seko Fofana also retired in September 2026 after 34 international appearances, signaling the start of a transitional phase in Ivory Coast’s midfield.
Ghana’s Iñaki Williams, the Athletic Bilbao striker, announced his retirement after 28 matches and two goals for the Black Stars. He featured in two World Cups and helped Ghana reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2010.
The absence of these players from the 2027 AFCON qualifiers paves the way for a new generation of young talent in African national teams, presenting significant challenges in filling the void left by these stars.