Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho was ordered off the pitch with a bloody mouth injury during Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Morocco, with the ex-Red stepping in for Casemiro at half-time.
01:54, 14 Jun 2026
Fabinho's mouth was covered with blood after he came on for Brazil against Morocco
Fabinho's mouth was covered with blood after he came on for Brazil against Morocco(Image: FIFA/BBC)
Fabinho was compelled to exit the field following a bloodied mouth injury during Brazil's World Cup encounter with Morocco.
On Saturday, Brazil commenced their World Cup journey against Morocco at MetLife Stadium. However, the five-time world champions endured a challenging opening, with Morocco controlling the early exchanges before breaking the deadlock.
Brazil responded through Vinicius Jr. and reached the interval level at 1-1. Nevertheless, Carlo Ancelotti had witnessed sufficient from Casemiro and opted to introduce the 32 year old Fabinho as a replacement for the former Manchester United stalwart in a bid to restore stability to Brazil's midfield, which had been overwhelmed by Morocco initially.
Casemiro struggled throughout the opening period, with his poor first touch and wayward passes hampering Brazil's flow. At the interval, the 34 year old made way for ex-Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, who currently features in the Saudi Pro League.
It wasn't long before Fabinho found himself thrust into the heart of proceedings. After 63 minutes, referee Slavko Vincic instructed Fabinho to leave the pitch as he needed medical treatment, with blood streaming from his mouth.
The circumstances surrounding Fabinho's injury remain uncertain, though it seemed to result from a relatively unremarkable challenge. Brazil and Morocco engaged in a heated affair, with Fabinho's injury emphasising the robust nature of the match.
Having sustained a blood injury, Fabinho was instructed by referee Vincic to leave the field of play. The midfielder initially contested the ruling, acutely aware that his side would be temporarily reduced to ten men — though he ultimately took it in good humour, sporting a broad grin as he made his way to the touchline.
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Fabinho brought a sense of composure to Brazil's midfield following a challenging opening 45 minutes. Just 21 minutes in, Brahim Diaz threaded a perfectly weighted ball into the run of Ismael Saibari, splitting Marquinhos and Gabriel to allow the forward to delicately chip the Liverpool goalkeeper and hand Morocco the advantage.
Brazil regrouped after the hydration break and drew level shortly afterwards. In the 32nd minute, Vinicius Jr. exchanged a neat one-two with Bruno Guimaraes before cutting inside from the right with precision, unleashing a superb strike beyond the helpless Bono.
Vinicius pulled the trigger early, and the shot carried such ferocity that Morocco's goalkeeper Bono was given absolutely no chance. The South American-dominated crowd erupted in jubilation, yet Brazil struggled to assert themselves going forward as Morocco largely neutralised their threat throughout the second half.
Fabinho's contribution proved equally vital for Brazil. The former Reds stalwart repeatedly stifled Moroccan attacks, despite nursing a bloodied mouth throughout.
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All he has to do is cry to truly leave blood, sweat, and tears all on the line for his country.