Chicago Fire will be represented in this year’s MLS All-Star Game, not just once, but twice.
Two of the teams stars — Hugo Cuypers and Mbekezeli Mbokazi — were named to the All-Star First XI this morning following votes from fans and media. The Fire’s top striker and top center back have been among the team best performers in 2026 so far.
Cuypers’ inclusion should come as absolutely no surprise based on his on-field MLS résumé in 2026. The Belgian center forward, who is the club’s record signing, leads the entire league in goals, scoring 13 times already. That tally surpasses the likes of Lionel Messi and Petar Musa, the former of whom also unsurprisingly made the All-Star roster on the first ballot.
The addition of Mbokazi also comes as no surprise, though for very different reasons. The South African international has been among the top defenders in the league, and has hit the ground running since his multi-million dollar winter arrival, but a boatload of votes from his countrymen ensured that he will be a part of the All-Star team. Mbokazi received more votes in the public vote than any other player in all of MLS, including Messi.
Additionally, Mbokazi is the first South African named to the All-Star team since Doctor Khumalo was a part of the first-ever such team in the league’s inaugural 1996 season. Mbokazi is currently in Mexico preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Bafana Bafana.
Other notable inclusions in the All-Star team are USMNT captain Tim Ream, LAFC star Son Heung-min, USMNT midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, and upstart Real Salt Lake winger Zavier Gozo. The All-Star game will be played on July 19th against the Liga MX All-Stars in Charlotte.
