Why Is Benzema Not Playing In The World Cup

Why Is Karim Benzema Not Playing in the World Cup?

When the final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup was announced, fans around the globe were stunned to see one of France’s most prolific strikers missing from the list. Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid talisman, had been a regular fixture in the national team for over a decade, yet he was not included in the 23‑man roster that travelled to Qatar. The question on everyone’s lips was simple: why is Benzema not playing in the World Cup? Below we examine the key factors that led to his exclusion, drawing on the analysis of ESPN FC’s panel of experts – Kay Murray, Julien Laurens, Ale Moreno, Steve Nicol and Shaka Hislop – and the official decisions made by the French Football Federation (FFF) and FIFA.

1. Legal Troubles and the “Blackmail” Case

In 2021, Benzema became the centre of a high‑profile legal investigation involving alleged blackmail and a compromising video of a former teammate. Although he was eventually cleared of the most serious charges, the case lingered throughout 2022 and cast a shadow over his international future. The French justice system imposed a one‑year suspended prison sentence and a fine, but the public controversy made the FFF cautious about selecting a player still under legal scrutiny.

2. FIFA’s Disciplinary Ban

Beyond the French courts, FIFA imposed its own sanction. In December 2021, the governing body handed Benzema a six‑month ban from all football‑related activities after he was found guilty of violating the federation’s code of conduct during the blackmail investigation. The ban, which technically ended in June 2022, overlapped with the crucial preparation period for the World Cup. Even though the suspension was lifted before the tournament, the timing left little room for Benzema to re‑integrate into the national squad.

3. Coach Didier Deschamps’ Tactical Decision

When the squad was being assembled, head coach Didier Deschamps faced a delicate balancing act. He needed to maintain squad harmony, respect the public’s sentiment, and field a team capable of winning. In interviews, Deschamps explained that he chose players who were “fully available, both on and off the pitch,” and emphasized the