The South African squad for the 2026 World Cup was announced today, and, as expected, Mbekezeli Mbokazi is a part of it.
Mbokazi, a 20-year-old center back from Hluhluwe, is one of Africa's leading defensive talents, so his inclusion in the squad is no surprise. Since joining the Chicago Fire at the beginning of the 2026 season, he has been the team's top center back, and is in contention to make the MLS All-Star team after returning from the World Cup.
Mbokazi's blockbuster move from Orlando Pirates to the Chicago Fire turned heads on both sides of the Atlantic. He had previously been linked with a European move, but he instead opted to sign a U-22 Initiative contract with the Fire and choose MLS instead. It has worked out so far, as he has seemed to be a natural fit for Gregg Berhalter's team while also showing steady but visible improvement in his areas of weakness.
For South Africa, Mbokazi is expected to be a locked-in starter under Hugo Broos, as he was at the African Cup of Nations during the winter. Mbokazi played every minute for Bafana Bafana at that tournament, though they were eliminated early, losing to Cameroon in the Round of 16. That event gave Mbokazi experience against some of Africa's best attackers, and he starred in a man of the match outing against Mohamed Salah and Egypt.
At this World Cup, South Africa have been placed into a manageable group alongside co-host Mexico, South Korea, and Czechia. While on paper, South Africa are the weakest of the four teams, they'll have to fancy their chances against a terribly out-of-form Korean team and late playoff qualifiers Czechia. In the opening game, against Mexico at Estadio Azteca, Bafana Bafana will hope to channel the magic of 2010 on the 16th anniversary of the famous game at Soccer City against the same opponent.
Mbokazi joins Chris Brady as confirmed Chicago Fire representation at the World Cup. Joel Waterman is also expected to make Canada's team; three Fire players at a single World Cup will be a club record. Mbokazi is also the first Fire player to represent an African nation at the World Cup.
