Bafana Bafana and Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi garnered more All Star votes than any other player to make it into the First XI for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, the Major League Soccer (MLS) announced on Friday.
‘TLB’ becomes the first South African to crack the selection to an MLS All-Star Game since Doctor Khumalo in 1996.
A brief statement by the MLS revealed all the players who have made it into the squad.
“Featuring global superstars, emerging young talents, and five players who will be competing at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Major League Soccer today announced the First XI players named to the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime roster.
“Selected through a combined vote of MLS fans, players, and media members, the First XI highlights the standout performers from the first part of the MLS regular season.
“The 11 players include icons like Leo Messi (Inter Miami CF) and Son Heung-Min (LAFC), alongside breakout young talents such as Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC),” the statement read.
Here’s a list of the 2026 MLS All-Star Game First XI:
Goalkeeper (1): Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
Left Back (1): Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC)
Center Backs (2): Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC) and Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
Right Back (1): Andy Najar (Nashville SC)
Defensive Midfielder (1): Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
Attacking Midfielders (2): Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake) and Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC)
Forwards (3): Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire FC), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), and Leo Messi (Inter Miami CF)
The MLS All-Stars will take on a team of All-Stars from Mexico’s top soccer league, LIGA MX, on Wednesday, July 29 at Charlotte FC’s Bank of America Stadium.
Image credit: @ChicagoFire & MLS
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