Morocco’s Benzina makes history with hijab at Women’s World Cup

Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina became the first senior-level Women’s World Cup player to compete in Hijab. Benzina stepped onto the field with her national team to play against South Korea as a defender to make history.

In 2014, a FIFA ban on women who play in religious head coverings was overturned after advocacy from various athletes, government officials, activists, and soccer officials.

“I have no doubt that more and more women and Muslim girls will look at Benzina and just really be inspired,” said Assmaah Helal, one of the co-founders of the Muslim Women in Sports Network.

Morocco is the first Arab nation to qualify for the Women’s World Cup. “We are honored to be the first Arab country to take part in the Women’s World Cup,” said Morocco’s captain Ghizlane Chebbak to reporters before the tournament.