Heba Saadieh is set to make history at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Although she’s yet to be assigned a game, Saadieh is set to become the first Palestinian – male or female – as well as the first hijabi referee in the tournament’s history.

The 34-year-old was introduced to officiating during her time at university and has since gone on to work at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, World Cup qualifiers, as well as a host of Women’s AFC Cup and Asian Cup matches.

Away from the pitch, Saadieh is a P.E. teacher, a profession she has since put on hold as she embarks on a new journey in Australia and New Zealand – the end goal being to become one of the world’s best behind the whistle.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Saaddieh said: “I’m so proud and I hope I can open this door for others, for Palestinian women referees – and men also – to be selected in the future.”

This moment of history comes 16 years after FIFA’s move to ban all forms of headdresses from the game, something that was overturned seven years later. And though it’s a sign of progress, the fight to ensure everyone’s identity and religion is respected in football is still very real, as evidenced by the French Football Federation’s ban on players wearing hijabs.

Just last month, France’s top administrative court upheld the FFF’s ban on players wearing hijabs during football matches, deeming the regulation “suitable and appropriate”.⁣⁣

Saadieh is breaking new ground for footballing officials but history is also set to be made by players this tournament too. Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina is set to become the tournament’s first-ever hijabi athlete when she takes to the pitch during the tournament.

Just like Benzina, Saaddieh is living her truth, and we’re here for it