Chicago Fire FC All-Star center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi will miss the remainder of the 2026 MLS season after sustaining a thigh tear, head coach Gregg Berhalter announced Thursday.
The 20-year-old South Africa international suffered the injury after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he helped Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stages for the first time.
"Mbo being out for the year is a tough one," Berhalter told Apple TV prior to Thursday's Leagues Cup clash with Necaxa. "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."
Rising star
Mbokazi played every minute for South Africa at this summer's World Cup, as Bafana Bafana made program history in their first tournament appearance since hosting in 2010.
He's also been a revelation in his debut season with the Fire, starting each of his 12 appearances in the regular season. Mbokazi's play earned him the most fan votes for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime, but injury forced him to miss the event.
Acquired from South African Premiership side Orlando Pirates in December, Mbokazi won’t be added to the season-ending injury list. The Fire do not regain the U22 Initiative spot he occupies.
Chicago have until Sept. 2, the close of the Secondary Transfer Window, to make new signings.
The Fire sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings with 29 points. They're looking to make the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the second straight season under Berhalter.
