Karim Benzema

2022 - 12 - 15

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Athletic"

Could Karim Benzema play for France in the World Cup final? (The Athletic)

Karim Benzema was forced out of the World Cup with injury but France didn't replace him, does that mean he can play in the final?

“You know the situation and the time that he needs to recover. [Olivier Giroud](https://theathletic.com/football/player/olivier-giroud-jQhFvachd9LT7tAr/) has had an excellent tournament in Benzema’s place. As Benzema stepped up his return to fitness a couple of weeks ago, Deschamps faced questions regarding a potential recall to the squad. However, they chose not to replace him in the squad. Next question. I do apologise.” [Switzerland](https://theathletic.com/football/team/switzerland/) at Euro 2020) He is in with a shout of winning the Golden Boot heading into the final game of the World Cup with four goals to his name, leaving him one behind [Lionel Messi](https://theathletic.com/football/player/lionel-messi-HlEFpLdbHt68CnvJ/) and [Kylian Mbappe](https://theathletic.com/football/player/kylian-mbappe-vqEQPtKAKLluodtc/). [Morocco](https://theathletic.com/football/team/morocco/). [France](https://theathletic.com/football/team/france/) prepare for a final showdown with [Argentina](https://theathletic.com/football/team/argentina/) on Sunday, The Athletic explores whether Benzema could yet play a part against Argentina. [FIFA](https://theathletic.com/football/international-football/)’s World Cup regulations states: “Only the 23 to 26 players on the final list will be permitted to take part in the final competition.” [Karim Benzema](https://theathletic.com/football/player/karim-benzema-hwC1BNv4TpEYmSmb/) became the first Ballon d’Or winner since 1978 to miss the [World Cup](https://theathletic.com/football/world-cup/) when he got injured ahead of the tournament.

FIFA World Cup final 2022: Here's why Karim Benzema returning for ... (CBSSports.com)

Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or winner is in line for winner's medal if Les Bleus triumph on Sunday.

Should the French beat Argentina on Sunday, it will technically be another title added to Benzema's list of accolades despite an inability to contribute towards it. Despite his recovery from injury and the fact that he was never replaced, Benzema is unlikely to be recalled for potential involvement in Qatar given what the squad have achieved without him. Even that might now be compromised, though, given the obsessive pursuit of controversy surrounding Benzema and Deschamps which remains frosty despite the former's return.

Macron wants to take Benzema and other injured players to the final (MARCA.com)

Karim Benzema has been invited to be present at the 2022 World Cup final, as MARCA reported on Thursday. Didier Deschamps gave a cold response in the press ...

For starters, he is not injured as seen this morning in Madrid, where the striker played a friendly against Leganes. [Didier Deschamps](https://www.marca.com/en/world-cup/2022/12/11/6395ba2be2704e2f398b4584.html) gave a cold response in the press room after the victory against Morocco when he was asked if Karim had a chance to return either to be in the stands or to play if he was recovered. If he was able to convince Kylian Mbappe to stay at PSG, then why not this? "I know that he is keen to do it and that it is being studied. [2022 World Cup](https://www.marca.com/en/world-cup.html) final, as MARCA reported on Thursday. [Modric: Orsato is one of the worst referees, he's a disaster](https://www.marca.com/en/world-cup/2022/12/14/6399d67d268e3eb1148b460c.html)

President of France Emmanuel Macron 'wants to take Karim ... (Daily Mail)

Players such as Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante have all missed out on Les Bleus' terrific World Cup campaign due to respective injuries ...

'with Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante also on the list of those invited to Qatar' We will see if it is possible.' French President Emmanuel Macron 'wants to take Karim Benzema and a group of injured players to the World Cup final' in support for the national side...

World Cup final 2022: France don't need to recall Karim Benzema to ... (Eurosport.com)

Rumours surfaced on Thursday that France could recall Karim Benzema for the World Cup final, but Eurosport's French office denied he is even needed.

The real surprise would be to have Benzema on the bench. "So you'll have the same structure in the final as a 4-3-3. “Why should he change?” he asked of Deschamps. And, according to what we know from Deschamps from 2014, it is very unlikely.” If he's in Doha, it will be as a spectator. World Cup

Karim Benzema yet to reveal whether he will attend World Cup final ... (Get French Football News)

With president Emmanuel Macron ostensibly considering bringing along Les Bleus' injury absentees to the match on Sunday, the likes of Paul Pogba and Lucas ...

He remains eligible for a winner’s medal should the team beat Argentina. Although he has not informed the France camp over his intention for Sunday, Benzema has continued to show his support for Les Bleus on social media. As for Karim Benzema, while he has stayed in contact with several members of the dressing room, several of L’Équipe’s sources have confirmed that not everyone in the squad is necessarily his fan, and that the atmosphere has not suffered with his departure, days before the opening game against Australia.