PHOTOS: Morocco Defender, Benzina, Breaks Record As First Player To Wear Hijab At World Cup

30 July 2023 Daily Bells Newspaper 1 min read

Moroccan defender, Nouhaila Benzina, has made history as the player to wear a hijab at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 25-year-old engraved her name in the history books when she wore the Islamic headscarf during her first appearance in her side’s 1-0 win over South Korea at the ongoing tournament in Australia and New Zealand on Sunday.

Benzina, who plays club football in Morocco, was an unused substitute during her country’s opening game against Germany, which they lost 6-0.

In 2014, the world governing body FIFA authorized the wearing of headcovers for religious reasons.

Morocco’s chances of advancing in the 2023 Women’s World Cup remained intact after securing a 1-0 victory against South Korea. Thanks to an early goal from Ibtissam Jraidi’s which rekindled their hopes for qualification from Group H. Morocco will now face Colombia in their final group game.

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