Mbekezeli Mbokazi Prepares for World Cup After Strong MLS Season

Mbekezeli Mbokazi has made a significant impact in North America during the first half of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. The 20-year-old center back is gearing up for his role with South Africa in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Arriving in the U.S. with the nickname TLB, Mbokazi has established himself as a regular in the Chicago Fire’s starting lineup since his winter transfer from Orlando Pirates in the South African Premiership. He played a vital role in helping his team secure three consecutive wins, culminating in a 2-1 victory against Toronto FC at Soldier Field.

Despite facing some criticism over his move to the Chicago Fire, Mbokazi has held his own in his first dozen MLS matches. He acknowledges he has had moments he would like to reconsider but expresses satisfaction with his performance across 14 games in all competitions, given the learning curve associated with transitioning to MLS.

“In the beginning, the preseason was very hard,” Mbokazi said through an interpreter after the Chicago Fire’s win over Toronto. “I found that the style of play in South Africa is different from the style of play here in the U.S., but the experience I have gained here is very beneficial. I’m going to use that to help me in the World Cup…”

“I’m feeling happy with the team. We’ve played well this season, and the season seems to be going well. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy, but with the team coming together, we’ve played well. And now that we have started well, we’re looking forward to the next part of this season.”

Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady praised Mbokazi’s ability to learn English quickly enough to effectively communicate with teammates. Club captain Jack Elliott described Mbokazi as “incredible” and noted his strong understanding of the game. Mbokazi credits his teammates for easing his transition into a fast-paced league.

“It’s easy to defend with these players. They’ve welcomed me into the team. They play well and they guided me about the MLS, and they gave me directions as to how to tackle and how to defend. I feel that there is good teamwork with the whole team as we all get along. They are pushing me through and pushing me to succeed.”

Mbokazi and South Africa will face Nicaragua in a friendly in Johannesburg before kicking off their FIFA World Cup journey against Mexico on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. As part of Bafana Bafana’s preliminary roster ahead of the tournament, TLB is expected to secure a spot on Hugo Broos’ squad.

He expressed excitement about his first World Cup and acknowledged the added attention on South Africa in the coming weeks.

“I’m happy to be in the World Cup and to play with the team. I think what’s going to help us as Bafana Bafana is that there is unity in the team and we help each other. As this is a big tournament, we are just looking forward to using whatever experience – I’m gonna use my experience that I have gained here in MLS to help Bafana Bafana and bring whatever expertise I’ve gained in these couple of weeks.”

“I cannot talk about Mexico that much as they are our opponents, but what we will do is, we will do our best as a team in order to gain a positive outcome in the World Cup.”

While it will be challenging for South Africa to advance from Group A, competing against South Korea, Czechia, and co-hosts Mexico, Mbokazi remains optimistic about their work ethic.

“We just need to put our best foot forward as this is the World Cup, the big stage. Our aim is to get a win and it’s going to call us to be unified as a team and to work together to succeed. We don’t know what the outcome will be as the World Cup is a big stage and it’s going to be hard.”

“We’re just going to try our best and hope for a positive result.”