Nouhaila Benzina: First Hijab-Wearing Player at World Cup

Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina created history by being the first player in the history of the World Cup to wear a headscarf.

In her debut appearance in the event, the 25-year-old wore an Islamic hijab as her team defeated South Korea 1-0.

Fifa authorized the wearing of head coverings for religious purposes in 2014.

Fifa originally prohibited the hijab for health and safety reasons, however, this was amended in 2014 before the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan.

Morocco is one of eight teams debuting at the Women’s World Cup this summer.

Benzina plays club football in Morocco and is the first senior women’s international player to wear a hijab.

Support independent Islamic website.

Support our mission to spread Islamic knowledge. Your donation helps our volunteer writers and infrastructure. Contribute now.

One-Time ($2.99) Monthly ($1.99)