Karim Benzema has reignited the possibility of a remarkable international comeback, declaring he remains fully open to representing France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite a history marked by exile, a short-lived recall, and a controversial exit from the 2022 tournament, the Al-Ittihad striker insists his commitment to the national team is unwavering. Speaking to L'Equipe, Benzema dismissed any notion of refusing a call-up, framing his potential return purely in sporting terms.
Karim Benzema has reignited the possibility of a remarkable international comeback, declaring he remains fully open to representing France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite a history marked by exile, a short-lived recall, and a controversial exit from the 2022 tournament, the Al-Ittihad striker insists his commitment to the national team is unwavering. Speaking to L'Equipe, Benzema dismissed any notion of refusing a call-up, framing his potential return purely in sporting terms.
"It’s not a story of no longer wanting to come back to the French team," Benzema stated. "But we have to ask ourselves the question: what am I coming to do? We are talking about a World Cup. Obviously, these are not things where you have to say: 'No, I don’t want to.' Because it’s a lie to say: 'No, I don’t want to play in a World Cup'." He emphasized his simple motivation: "I’m a football player. So, I play football. When they call me, I come, I play."
While his international future is a topic of speculation, Benzema is also at a pivotal moment in his club career. His lucrative three-year contract with Al-Ittihad, which he joined in 2023, enters its final six months. During his time in Saudi Arabia, he has been instrumental, leading the club to a domestic double last season with 25 goals and cementing his status as a marquee figure in the league's growth.
Despite being focused on his current obligations, Benzema confirmed he is considering his options. "I’m really focused on what I’m doing, whether it’s for these last six months or for after if I extend my contract," he said. He revealed that offers from European clubs have arrived, and his continued passion for the elite level—evidenced by his regular viewing of Real Madrid and the Champions League—makes a return to Europe a plausible scenario. For the veteran forward, the decision will hinge on finding an environment where he can compete at the highest level and feel valued, whether that means extending his stay in Jeddah or embarking on a new chapter elsewhere.
