Nouhalia Benzina, an international with the Moroccan women’s soccer team, one of the debutants in this World Cup, became the first woman to wear the hijab in a World Cup event on Sunday, after FIFA finally allowed its use.
FIFA banned the use of the hijab during 2007 and 2014, because it was considered a health risk for players to play soccer while wearing a headscarf.
Benzina is active in the ranks of the FAR (Sports Association of the Royal Armed Forces of Rabat) and always wears the hijab in the Moroccan league matches, as well as in her training sessions. Although her teammates do not wear it, she maintains the Islamic tradition, and appears with the garment in the official photos of the tournament.
Despite not having played a minute in the first match against Germany, Benzina started against Korea Republic and was on the pitch throughout the game. A duel that ended with the victory of Morocco (1-0) against the Asians and allows them to continue believing in the pass to the second round. Neither Fatima Gharbi (CE Europe) nor Yasmin Mrabet (Levante Las Planas) had minutes in the match.
It is the first victory of the Moroccan team in a World Cup, a tournament in which it has debuted in this edition. He made his debut against a very difficult rival such as the German team, who endorsed him with a 6-0 win, but his first victory came on the second day. Three points that allow you to continue dreaming. Reynald Pedros’ men will qualify for the round of 16 on Thursday against Colombia.
