Karim Benzema leaves door open for France national team return ahead of World Cup

France international of Algerian descent Karim Benzema is open to representing the Les Blues at the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament.

Benzema, who plies his trade for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia has been out of international football since 2022, with his last outing coming in the Nations League.

As France gears up for the mundial, the former Real Madrid star has botched to turn down a return to the national team.

“Who can refuse a World Cup?” the forward said, underlining the tournament’s significance for any footballer’s career.

The legendary Frenchman is in outstanding form, having played twelve matches for the Saudi club this season across all competitions and netting an impressive eleven goals.

Meanwhile, the forward’s future with the Saudi Pro giants currently hangs in the balance. Benzema, whose current contract runs out in summer 2026 has yet to sign a new deal, raising concerns about his future.