Chicago Fire and Bafana Bafana centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 MLS season after suffering a serious thigh injury that requires surgery.
The 22-year-old defender sustained the injury during training last month and is now expected to undergo an operation, dealing a significant blow to both Chicago Fire and the South African national team.
Chicago Fire director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed the extent of the injury during Apple TV’s Leagues Cup pre-match show, revealing that Mbokazi is expected to miss the remainder 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’s breakthrough MLS campaign cut short
Mbokazi had enjoyed an impressive first season in Major League Soccer since making the move to Chicago Fire, quickly establishing himself as one of the club’s most reliable defenders.
The South African has made 13 appearances in all competitions, starting 12 of those matches, and his performances have earned widespread praise.
His impressive form also saw him selected for the upcoming MLS All-Star Game, where he received more fan votes than any other player, including global superstar Lionel Messi.
Mbokazi was set to have the opportunity to line up alongside Messi, but his injury has now ended those hopes.
Blow for Bafana Bafana
The injury could also have consequences for Bafana Bafana, with Mbokazi now a major doubt for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.
South Africa are scheduled to face Guinea in a crucial home qualifier, but the defender’s recovery timeline means he could be unavailable for the fixture.
His absence would be a concern for the national team, particularly after the defender’s rapid rise and impressive performances at international level.
Chicago Fire face defensive reshuffle
Although Mbokazi will not initially be placed on the season-ending injury list, he is expected to miss at least Chicago Fire’s next six MLS matches, making a return before the end of the season highly unlikely.
Chicago Fire will now have to rely on their other defensive options as they prepare for the remainder of the campaign.
The club still have experienced centre-backs Jack Elliott, Joel Waterman, Sam Rogers and Christopher Cuppsavailable to help fill the void left by Mbokazi.
For a player who had quickly become an important part of Chicago Fire’s defence and was making waves internationally, the injury represents a frustrating interruption to what had been a remarkable breakthrough season.
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