Moroccan Defender Nouhaila Benzina to Make History as First Hijab-Wearing Player at Women’s World Cup

Nouhaila Benzina is making history at the Women’s World Cup. The Moroccan defender will be the first player to wear a hijab at the 2023 World Cup. "Nouhaila Benzina will make history at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand 2023. The Moroccan star will be the first player to participate in the tournament wearing a hijab," the FIFA tweeted, adding that the Moroccan would break down barriers on the world stage, marking an important milestone for diversity in sport.

Trained at Kénitra AC and then at AS FAR, Nouhaila joined the Moroccan national team in 2018. A year earlier, she played for the under-20 team. Her talent and dedication have allowed her to win several national and continental titles, particularly with AS FAR. Selected in the final list of 23 players selected for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the player will defend the Moroccan colors in Australia and New Zealand.

Morocco, which will participate in its first Women’s World Cup, has been drawn into Group H. The Lionesses of the Atlas will face Germany, the 2nd best nation in the history of the competition (two titles in 2003 and 2007, a 2nd place in 1995, and two fourth places in 1991 and 2015) and finalist of Euro 2022, South Korea and Colombia, who are participating in the Women’s World Cup for the 4th and 3rd time respectively.