Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi will miss the rest of the 2026 MLS season due to a torn thigh, club head coach Gregg Berhalter has confirmed.
The 20-year-old Bafana Bafana centre-back unfortunately suffered injury upon return from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Americas having aided South Africa reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
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Since joining the Major League Soccer outfit, ‘TLB’ has been absolute revelation with his fine string performances that has seen him feature in each of his 12 appearances in the regular season for Fire.
His exploits has also seen him earn him the most fan votes for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, though he’s set to miss out due to an extended period on the sidelines.
“Mbo being out for the year is a tough one,” Berhalter said, as per MLS Soccer prior to the Leagues Cup clash against Necaxa on Thursday.
“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.”
The Hluhluwe-born tough-tackling defender joined Fire from South African Betway Premiership side Orlando Pirates in December 2025, winning three trophies in his full debut campaign.
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