Nouhaila Benzina to make history as first player to wear hijab at Women's World Cup

Benzina named on the bench for Morocco's Group H opener against Germany in Melbourne

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  Morocco's Nouhaila Benzina during the warm up before the Women's World Cup 2023 Group H match against Germany at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. AFP

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  Nouhaila Benzina was named on the bench for the game against Germany. She will become the first player to wear a hijab at the Women's World Cup. AFP

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  Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina speaks as she warms up with teammates. AFP

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  Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco inspects the pitch ahead of the Group H match against Germany. EPA

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  Morocco's Nouhaila Benzina with teammates during the warm up. Reuters

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  Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco. EPA

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  Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco warms up. Getty Images

Morocco's Nouhaila Benzina is in line to make history by becoming the first player to wear a hijab at the Women's World Cup 2023.

Defender Benzina was named on the bench for Morocco's Group H opener against Germany in Melbourne on Monday. The match kicks off at 12.20pm UAE.

Benzina, 25, who plays her club football for the Sports Association of the Royal Armed Forces club in Rabat, has played many matches while dressed in an Islamic headscarf, but never at a World Cup.

Morocco had never previously qualified for a Women's World Cup. After Monday's match they face South Korea on Sunday before their final group match against Colombia on Thursday, August 3.