Esports
Why Karim Benzema is playing EA FC at the Esports World Cup
Watch the Esports World Cup for free on DAZN
For almost two decades, Karim Benzema made his name with a football at his feet.
The former Real Madrid striker won five Champions League titles, lifted the Ballon d'Or in 2022 and established himself as one of the greatest forwards of his generation. Now starring for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, the Frenchman's latest appearance will come in a very different arena.
On July 26, Benzema will swap football boots for a controller when he takes part in a special EA SPORTS FC 26 showmatch ahead of the Esports World Cup Finals in Paris. The exhibition match is designed to bring together one of football's biggest names with one of the world's fastest-growing esports events, continuing the increasingly close relationship between traditional sport and competitive gaming.
Why is Karim Benzema playing EA FC?
Benzema's appearance is about more than simply playing a video game.
The Esports World Cup has made football one of the centrepieces of its entertainment programme, recognising the huge crossover between football supporters and EA SPORTS FC players.
By inviting one of France's greatest footballers to headline a live showmatch before the EA FC Finals, organisers are aiming to introduce football fans to the world of professional esports while giving existing fans a memorable spectacle before the championship match begins.
Playing in Paris also gives Benzema the opportunity to perform in front of a home crowd, adding another layer of excitement to one of the biggest weekends of the Esports World Cup.
RALF HIRSCHBERGER/AFP via Getty Images
What is the EA FC showmatch?
Before the EA FC Finals begin on July 26, fans inside Paris Expo Porte de Versailles will be treated to an exclusive exhibition featuring Benzema.
Admission to the showmatch is included with an EA FC Finals ticket, giving spectators the chance to watch both the celebrity contest and the crowning of the Esports World Cup champion on the same day.
Who will Karim Benzema play?
That remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the event.
The Esports World Cup has confirmed Benzema will compete in the showmatch but has not yet revealed either his opponent or the host of the exhibition.
Both announcements are expected before the event takes place on July 26.
When are the EA FC Finals?
The EA SPORTS FC tournament at the Esports World Cup runs from July 22 to July 26, with the world's best players battling for the championship before Sunday's Grand Final.
The competition forms part of the seven-week Esports World Cup festival, which features 25 tournaments across 24 different game titles and a record prize pool of more than $75 million.
Watch the Esports World Cup 2026 on DAZN
Fans can watch the Esports World Cup 2026 live and for free on DAZN throughout the seven-week competition.
This is available on the DAZN app across a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles, or watch through any web browser at DAZN.com.
Coverage is available globally, excluding China, South Korea, the CIS region, Ukraine, Malaysia, Hungary and Finland. Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 are also unavailable in Peru.
To watch live follow these steps:
- Download the DAZN app on your preferred device or visit DAZN.com.
- Sign up for a free DAZN account, or log in if you already have one.
- Search for Esports World Cup or browse the esports section.
- Select the tournament you want to watch and start streaming live.
