EA Sports continues its mission to make its football games more inclusive and diverse, and the latest FIFA 23 update is a significant step in that direction. The update introduces the hijab for Moroccan footballer Nouhaila Benzina, showcasing EA’s commitment to authenticity and realism.
Nouhaila Benzina made headlines during the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand by becoming the first player to wear a hijab in a World Cup match. While female players have been wearing religious headscarves at the club level, Benzina’s iconic moment on the global stage was a groundbreaking feat.
FIFA 23 pays tribute to this historic moment by including the hijab in Benzina’s virtual avatar. The Title Update 16, released in June, offers players the Women’s World Cup Mode DLC, where they can witness and participate in this significant event. Fans can even play as Nouhaila Benzina in the Lead Your Country experience and help Morocco win the World Cup.
Unfortunately, the release of Title Update 16 was accompanied by a glitch that caused Benzina to disappear from the game temporarily. Players were unable to select her for the Morocco World Cup squad, thus missing out on the opportunity to recreate her appearance against South Korea. However, EA swiftly resolved the issue, allowing gamers to once again join the field with Benzina.
This dedication to realism and inclusion sets a promising precedent for EA Sports FC 24, which is scheduled to be released soon. As the release date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate more details about the game. EA’s commitment to diversity and authenticity in FIFA 23 demonstrates that football truly is the world’s game, a sport that embraces players from all backgrounds.
