Karim Benzema Hints At Sensational France Return For 2026 World Cup

The World Cup might be two years away, but Karim Benzema has already set the football world buzzing again.
The French striker has hinted he is open to a shock return to the national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reopening a storyline many believed was already closed.

Benzema: “When They Call Me, I Come”

Speaking to L’Équipe, the Ballon d’Or winner made it clear that while his international past has been complicated, he has never closed the door on France — not even now, at 37.

His words were simple, but powerful:

“I’m a football player. When they call me, I come, I play… I love winning. I like trophies. If I am called to the national team, I come to play football.”

For Benzema, the World Cup is too big to pretend otherwise:

“It’s a lie to say: ‘No, I don’t want to play in a World Cup.’ Everyone wants to play in it.”

This statement alone has revived a debate many thought was settled:
Should Didier Deschamps bring Benzema back for 2026?

A Career Of Highs, Lows And Exile

Despite being one of the greatest strikers of his generation, Benzema has played in only one World Cup — Brazil 2014.

His journey with Les Bleus has been turbulent:

• 2010: Snubbed by Raymond Domenech

• 2015–2021: Exiled due to the Valbuena case

• 2018: Left out of the World Cup-winning squad

• 2022: Returns, but gets injured before France’s opening match

• Leaves Qatar early, sparking controversy

• Never announces official retirement

For years, it looked like his international chapter was over.
Not anymore.

Would France Actually Take Him Back?

Deschamps’ current squad is built around Kylian Mbappe, Griezmann, Thuram, and a new wave of attackers.
But a fully fit Benzema remains a rare footballing asset — even at his age.

Would France take the gamble?
Would Benzema accept a role that isn’t guaranteed?
These are questions only Deschamps can answer.

But Benzema has made one thing clear:
He’s available. And he’s hungry.

What About His Club Future?

Beyond the national team conversation, Benzema’s club career is also entering a critical moment.

At Al-Ittihad, he has:

• Won the Saudi Pro League

• Won the King’s Cup

• Scored 25 goals last season

• Remained one of the faces of the Saudi football revolution

But now, he’s entering the final six months of his contract — and speculation is rising.

Could he return to Europe?
Extend his Saudi stay?
Or prepare for a final chapter elsewhere?

Benzema gave little away:

“Right now, I have six months left… I’m completely focused on football.”

Whatever happens next, Benzema is keeping everyone guessing — and clearly enjoying it.

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