In the recent 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nouhala Benzina of Morocco made history by becoming the first individual to take part in a World Cup match while donning an Islamic Hijab.
In the most recent FIFA 23 title update, EA updated Benzina’s player model to add a hijab. It was formerly forbidden by FIFA because of the possibility of head or neck injury.
FIFA Approved Female Players Covering Their Heads
This scenario substantially improved when FIFA officially approved players covering their heads for religious reasons in March 2014.
Male players may now wear turbans, as requested by the Canadian Sikh population, who also demanded this right.
The most recent version’s patch notes make reference to this, stating that EA “updated Nouhaila Benzina’s player model to include her head covering.” Football players wearing hijabs is a relatively recent development.
EA Sports have introduced the hijab in FIFA 23 for Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina????????
She is the first player to wear hijab at the Women’s World Cup.
Benzina’s and now EA’s impact will have an entire demographic of football fans and players being represented on the biggest stage???? pic.twitter.com/v3vnTQvXs8
— FUTBIN (@FUTBIN) August 9, 2023
Benzina has a long list of accomplishments and has made history previously. The defender helped her team become the first North African and Arab nation to compete in the WAFCON final when the Atlas Lions overcame African superpower and 11-time defending champions Nigeria in the semifinal.
The victory made Morocco the first country from the Middle East and North Africa to qualify for the Women’s World Cup.
When Benzina and the team, who were placed in a challenging group containing favorites Germany, Columbia, and Korea Republic, proceeded to the knockout stages instead of the Euro 2022 champions, the globe was in a state of shock.
Morocco was eliminated from the Women’s World Cup after falling to France 4-0. On August 12, France will now play Australia in the quarterfinals.
In the round of 16, Sweden eliminated the United States on penalties. The United States had previously held the World Cup and had won it four times, including in 2015 and 2019.
To read our blog “FIFA plans to organize a new Club World Cup in 2025,” click here.
