Chicago Fire’s Mbekezeli Mbokazi Selected for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Chicago Fire’s Mbekezeli Mbokazi is heading to the biggest stage in world soccer.

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos called in Mbokazi, 20, to their squad for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Mbokazi started three matches during South Africa’s CAF World Cup qualifiers last year and was a fixture in Bafana Bafana’s backline during their run to the Round of 16 in the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament.

Mbokazi has been a revelation for the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer since signing in the offseason from Orlando Pirates in the South African Premiership. Mbokazi has played over 1100 minutes in all competitions for the Chicago Fire, with all but one of his 13 appearances coming as starts alongside either Jack Elliott or Joel Waterman at center back. Most recently, Mbokazi was named to MLS’s Team of Matchday 14 and then followed it up with 60 strong minutes in Chicago’s win over Toronto FC.

Mbokazi spoke about his excitement after Chicago’s win over Toronto at Soldier Field and will now have the opportunity to try to see out those World Cup dreams in the coming weeks with Bafana Bafana.

South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A schedule:

June 11: vs Mexico, 2:00 p.m. CT, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico

June 18: vs Czechia, 11:00 a.m. CT, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

June 24: vs South Korea, 8:00 p.m. CT, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, Mexico