By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Chicago Fire and Bafana Bafana centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi is out for the rest of 2026 after suffering a thigh injury requiring surgery.
Mbokazi sustained the injury during training last month and is expected to undergo surgery.
Chicago Fire director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed on Apple TV’s Leagues Cup pre-match show that the South African centre-back is expected to miss the rest of the campaign.
“He took a shot in training, hit the ground a little bit, scuffed the ground, and ended up tearing his thigh.”
Mbokazi will not be placed on the season-ending injury list but will be sidelined for at least the club’s next six MLS matches, making a return this season highly unlikely.
He was a sensation at the World Cup and has won rave reviews following his move to Major League Soccer, chosen to play in next week’s MLS All-Star Game, where he received more fan votes than any other player, including Lionel Messi, to be part of the team, which would have seen him line up alongside the Argentine.
He is now also a doubt for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September, when Bafana Bafana face a crucial home clash against Guinea.
Mbokazi has made 13 appearances in all competitions, starting 12 of those matches, and quickly established himself as one of the club’s key defenders.
Chicago Fire still have experienced centre-backs Jack Elliott, Joel Waterman, Sam Rogers, and Christopher Cupps available as they prepare for the remainder of the season.