The Esports World Cup 2026 will feature a high-profile EA Sports FC 26 showmatch with former Real Madrid and France forward Karim Benzema. The event is scheduled for July 26 in Paris, where Benzema will likely face off against professional EA FC esports players.

Benzema, who currently plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Arabian league, scored 17 goals in 24 matches last season. His opponent for the showmatch has not yet been announced. The event follows previous showmatches, including Neymar vs. Msdossary in 2024 and Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Kaká in 2025.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema’s league rival and former Real Madrid teammate, serves as an ambassador for the Esports World Cup. The showmatch adds to the growing intersection of traditional sports stars and esports.