Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina became the first hijab-wearing player at a World Cup.
Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco in action during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Korea Republic and Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)
Benzina, 25, wore a white religious headscarf during Morocco’s second match and first win in this year’s Women’s World Cup, a 1-0 victory against South Korea.
Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco applauds after the team’s 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Korea Republic and Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Adelaide / Tarntanya, Australia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Previously banned for health and safety reasons, head coverings for religious reasons were later allowed by FIFA in 2014.
Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco and Park Eunsun of Korea Republic compete for the ball during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Korea Republic and Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)
Benzina, who also plays for Moroccan club Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal (AS FAR), was selected as part of the starting line-up for the critical match with South Korea after its previous 6-0 loss to Germany.
Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco controls the ball during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Korea Republic and Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup also marks Team Morocco’s first appearance, making them the first Arab and North African nation to ever represent their country on the international women’s stage.
Nouhaila Benzina (L) and Najat Badri (R) of Morocco celebrate after the team’s 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Korea Republic and Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Adelaide / Tarntanya, Australia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
“We are honored to be the first Arab country to take part in the World Cup,” team captain Ghizlane Chebbak said. “We feel that we have to shoulder a big responsibility to give a good image, to shop the achievements the Moroccan team has made.”
Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco controls the ball during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between South Korea and Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sue McKay/Getty Images)
