 Mekhissi-Benabbad represented France at the 2006 IAAF World Cup, but only managed to finish eighth in the 1500 m event.Mekhissi-Benabbad won the 3000 metres steeplechase gold medal at the 2007 European Athletics U23 Championships.He competed in his first major senior event later that year – the 2007 World Championships - where he was eliminated in the heats of the 3000 metres steeplechase competition.