Morocco will make history at the 2023 World Cup, with Benzina becoming the first player to wear a headscarf in a World Cup match.
Morocco’s second group stage encounter at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 made history from start to finish.
Nouhaila Benzina’s inclusion in the North African nation’s starting lineup for their match against Republic of Korea on Sunday (30 July) assured that she became the World Cup’s first-ever player to wear a hijab at kick-off.
And by the final whistle in Adelaide, the defender had played a major role in Morocco’s 1-0 success, their first ever Women’s World Cup victory, secured by their first goal at this level, giving them serious hope of qualifying for the knockout stage.
“Girls will look at Benzina and think, ‘that could be me,'” said Muslim Women in Sports Network co-founder Assmaah Helal.
“Policymakers, decision-makers, and administrators will also say, ‘In our country, we need to do more to create these accepting, open, and inclusive spaces for women and girls to participate in the game.'”
Benzina and her teammates, though, had already written their names in the history books before even stepping onto the pitch.
In a 6-0 defeat to Germany in their World Cup debut on Monday (24 July), Morocco became the first Arab or North African nation to participate on the global arena.
“We are honored to be the first Arab country to compete in the World Cup,” stated Ghizlane Chebbak, their captain.
“We feel we have a big responsibility to give a good image, to shop the accomplishments of the Moroccan team.”
Following the defeat to Germany, Benzina was brought in to shore up the defence, and this win over Korea, due to a goal from Ibtissam Jraidi, means their next game in Group H, against Colombia on Thursday (3 August), is one where a win might ensure them a place in the last 16 for the first time.