–Defender wears Islamic headscarf for match in Adelaide
– Fifa lifted its ban on wearing hijab in 2014
Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina made history on Sunday by becoming the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup during their 1-0 win over South Korea.
The 25-year-old defender was an unused substitute for Morocco’s opening 6-0 defeat against Germany last week but was selected in the starting line-up by manager Reynald Pedros for the crucial match in Adelaide.
The wearing of head coverings for religious reasons was authorised by Fifa in 2014 and Benzina wore a white Islamic headscarf as she played the entire match in a vital victory that kept alive Morocco’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages on their World Cup debut.
Benzina, who plays in Morocco for AS FAR (Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal), is the first player to wear a hijab at a senior women’s international tournament.
#Morocco has achieved another historic milestone in football, with #NouhailaBenzina becoming the first player to compete in the #FIFAWomensWorldCup while wearing a #Hijab. She showcased her exceptional skills and played a pivotal role in securing Morocco's first-ever victory. pic.twitter.com/xHwNZn3jrd
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) July 30, 2023
Throughout the match in Adelaide, Benzina showcased her exceptional skills and played a pivotal role in securing Morocco’s first-ever victory against South Korea at the Women’s World Cup.
The match concluded with a 1-0 win, with the Lionesses scoring their first goal in the competition’s history.
Fifa had previously banned the hijab on health and safety grounds but that was changed in 2014 before the Under-17 Women’s World Cup that was held in Jordan.
Morocco are now level on three points with Germany and Colombia, who play each other later on Sunday.
South Korea have zero points and will be eliminated if Germany avoid defeat.
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