Very bad news on Mbekezeli Mbokazi
· The South African
Chicago Fire FC defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi will miss the remainder of the 2026 MLS season after suffering a thigh tear.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed the news before Thursday’s Leagues Cup clash against Necaxa. The injury came shortly after Mbokazi returned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI’S IMPRESSIVE BREAKTHROUGH
“Mbo being out for the year is a tough one,” Berhalter told Apple TV. “It’s really about the next person stepping up and being a team that’s hard to score on. Closing the spaces, being compact.”
“We’re working on that now, and I think today you’re going to see that.” The injury ends what had been a remarkable debut campaign for Mbokazi in the United States.
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The 20-year-old joined Chicago Fire FC from Orlando Pirates in December. He quickly became a regular in the starting line-up.
Mbokazi started all 12 of his MLS appearances. He also earned the most fan votes for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. However, the injury ruled him out of the exhibition match.
The defender also impressed on the international stage. He played every minute for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. South Africa reached the knockout stages for the first time in the nation’s history. Mbokazi played a key role throughout the tournament.
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Chicago Fire FC must now finish the season without one of their best defenders.
The club has confirmed that Mbokazi will not be placed on the season-ending injury list. That means Chicago Fire FC will not regain the U22 Initiative roster spot he currently occupies.
The setback is also a blow for Bafana Bafana. Mbokazi had established himself as one of South Africa’s brightest young defenders after his impressive performances for both club and country.