Overview
- In an interview with L'Équipe, Benzema said he would accept a call-up for the World Cup, reviving discussion about his place with Les Bleus.
- The 38-year-old is in strong club form with Al-Ittihad, scoring seven goals in his last five matches, and teammate Fabinho praised him as still France’s best No. 9.
- France’s attack is organized with Kylian Mbappé as the central striker, Michael Olise at No. 10 and Ousmane Dembélé on the right, leaving limited room for Benzema’s profile.
- The forward pecking order has developed around Mbappé with options such as Marcus Thuram, Hugo Ekitike, Randal Kolo Muani and Jean-Philippe Mateta competing for places.
- An expanded 48-team World Cup and talks about allowing 30-player squads could ease selection, though Deschamps has historically resisted long lists.