Morocco’s Benzina becomes the first senior-level Women’s World Cup player to compete in hijab

Benzina made history as the first person to wear a hijab at a World Cup

Stepping onto the field against South Korea in Morocco’s second Women’s World Cup match, defender Nouhaila Benzina made history as the first player to wear a hijab while competing at a senior-level global tournament.

A FIFA ban on playing in religious head coverings in its sanctioned games for “health and safety reasons” was overturned in 2014 after advocacy from activists, athletes and government and officials.

“I have no doubt that more and more women and Muslim girls will look at Benzina and just really be inspired – not just the players, but I think decision makers, coaches, other sports as well,” said Assmaah Helal, a co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network.

Morocco won the game 1-0. Credit: AP

Benzina plays professional football for the Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal – the eight-time defending champion in Morocco’s top women’s league.

She didn't play in Morocco’s opening 6-0 loss to Germany in Melbourne, and had to wait six days to finally get her start in the Group H game in Adelaide.

It was worth it. The Atlas Lionesses played with more freedom in an afternoon game against South Korea, scoring in the 6th minute and hanging on for a 1-0 win. Benzina played an important role in the defensive line, and picked up a yellow card late in the game as South Korea counter-attacked.

Morocco is the first Arab or North African nation to qualify for the Women’s World Cup.

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