Karim Benzema's Return to French National Team for 2026 World Cup Remains Unlikely

Karim Benzema, the 37-year-old Ballon d'Or winner, has hinted at a possible return to the French national team for the 2026 World Cup, scheduled in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. In an interview with L'Équipe, Benzema expressed his passion for the sport and desire to compete, stating, "But who doesn’t want to play in the World Cup? Everyone wants to play in this competition." Despite this, there are significant challenges to his comeback.

Benzema last played for France in December 2022 before a thigh injury sidelined him. Since then, the French team, under coach Didier Deschamps, has evolved, focusing on younger talents like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. The current lineup prioritizes team cohesion around these players, making Benzema’s return less feasible. Additionally, Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia places him in a less competitive league compared to Europe, which further complicates his national team prospects.

Reflecting on his career with France, Benzema rejected notions that his international tenure was incomplete or wasted. He highlighted his achievements, including winning the UEFA Nations League in 2021 and scoring four goals in Euro 2020, despite the team's elimination in the round of 16.

Overall, while Benzema remains open to the idea, his return appears improbable unless injuries disrupt the current squad. His last match for France was 2,049 days ago, and he previously suggested that his chapter with the team might be ending, stating, "I wrote my story and ours is ending." This sentiment aligns with the team's current direction, signaling a focus on new leadership ahead of the 2026 tournament.