PARIS: Karim Benzema defeated French streamer Amine in the EA SPORTS FC Showmatch at the Esports World Cup 2026 on Monday, as one of football’s biggest names took to the virtual pitch in front of a packed crowd in Paris.
The exhibition match, held at Hall 1 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, highlighted the growing crossover between football, esports and digital entertainment.
Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, teamed up with Bruce Grannec, the former esports world champion, while Amine partnered with EA SPORTS FC player Brak. The match was hosted by Loupiote, with commentary from Omar da Fonseca.
Before the contest, Benzema expressed confidence in his teammate.
“I’m doing fine. We’ll see, but I’ve got a great teammate, so it’ll be all right,” he said. “I believe in his abilities. People with talent have it from head to toe.”
