By participating in Morocco’s second Women’s World Cup match against South Korea, defender Nouhaila Benzina made history as the initial player to wear a hijab while competing at a senior-level global tournament.
An overturned FIFA prohibition on wearing religious head coverings in its sanctioned matches due to “health and safety reasons” in 2014, following advocacy from activists, athletes, and government and soccer officials.
Assmaah Helal, co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network, stated, “I firmly believe that Benzina will serve as an inspiration to more and more women and Muslim girls, not just the players but also the decision-makers, coaches, and other sports.”
Benzina currently plays professional club soccer for the Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal, the eight-time consecutive champion in Morocco’s top women’s league. She was absent during Morocco’s opening 6-0 defeat against Germany in Melbourne and had to wait six days for her chance to finally start in the Group H game in Adelaide.
Assmaah Helal, a co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network, said, “I firmly believe that Benzina will serve as an inspiration to more and more women and Muslim girls, not just the players but also the decision-makers, coaches, and other sports.”
Benzina currently plays professional club soccer for the Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal, the eight-time consecutive champion in Morocco’s top women’s league. She was absent during Morocco’s opening 6-0 defeat against Germany in Melbourne and had to wait six days for her chance to finally start in the Group H game in Adelaide.
Defender Nouhaila Benzina, playing against South Korea in Morocco’s second Women’s World Cup match, became the first player to wear a hijab while competing at a senior-level global tournament. Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images
The Atlas Lionesses showed more freedom in their afternoon game against South Korea, scoring in the 6th minute and holding on for a 1-0 victory. Benzina played a crucial role in the defensive line and received a late yellow card as South Korea launched a counter-attack.
Morocco is the inaugural Arab or North African nation to qualify for the Women’s World Cup.
“We are privileged to be the first Arab country to participate in the Women’s World Cup,” stated Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak to reporters before the tournament, “and we feel an immense responsibility to present a positive image and showcase the accomplishments of the Moroccan team.”