Karim Benzema, the forward of the Saudi club "Al-Ittihad," stated in an interview with L'Equipe that he does not rule out the possibility of returning to the French national team with the aim of participating in the 2026 World Cup.
The forward ended his international career after the final match of the 2022 World Cup, in which France lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. He noted that he is still full of motivation and ready to respond to a call from the national team's coaching staff.
Currently, Benzema is 37 years old. He has played 97 matches for the French national team and scored 37 goals, achieving victory in the Nations League in 2021 and receiving the "Ballon d'Or" in 2022. His club career includes stints at "Lyon," "Real Madrid," and "Al-Ittihad."
The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 in three countries: the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
