Mbekezeli Mbokazi - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Returns from yellow card suspension Mbokazi has served his one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation and is available for selection again after missing Wednesday's MLS clash against Orlando City.

Impact Mbokazi is eligible to return to the starting lineup after sitting out Wednesday's encounter against Orlando due to his fifth yellow card of the season, received during Saturday's 3-2 victory over Atlanta United. The South African center-back had established himself as a regular starter following his recovery from a thigh injury, starting six consecutive MLS matches while recording 40 clearances, 10 tackles and four blocks. Jack Elliott provided an alternative in central defense during his suspension, but Mbokazi can now reclaim his place in the defensive rotation, depending on the coaching staff's selection decisions.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Suspended Wednesday Mbokazi registered seven clearances in Saturday's 3-2 win versus Atlanta United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 81st minute and is set for one match suspension.

Impact Mbokazi will serve his first suspension of the season after picking up his fifth yellow card. Since returning from a thigh injury, he has started all six MLS matches, recording 10 tackles, 40 clearances and four blocks. It has been a strong return for the defender after suffering the injury while on international duty with South Africa. Jack Elliott is the most likely candidate to replace him at center back for Wednesday's clash with Orlando City.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

What We Learned: Mbekezeli Mbokazi gives Chicago Fire huge boost | MLSSoccer.com Matchday 28 is in the books.

SEPTEMBER 28 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Starts against Charlotte Mbokazi (thigh) is in the starting lineup in Saturday's trip to Charlotte.

Impact Mbokazi could give Chicago an immediate defensive boost following his return to group training earlier this week. The center-back has not played since the World Cup, and it's still unclear if he's ready for a full-match performance. He should be reliable as a source of accurate passes, clearances and tackles while he shares defensive responsibilities with Jack Elliott.

SEPTEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Trains with group Tuesday Mbokazi (thigh) was with the group at Tuesday's training session, Joe Chatz reports.

Impact Mbokazi was initially ruled out for the remainder of the season by coach Gregg Berhalter after tearing his thigh in training in late July and undergoing surgery. His return to partial training on Sept. 4 was followed by group work Tuesday, putting him ahead of the recovery schedule outlined in August. The South Africa international remains without a competitive appearance since the World Cup, so his reintegration could be gradual, though a return before the end of the campaign now appears realistic.

SEPTEMBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Orlando City takes on the Chicago Fire in Eastern Conference action

Orlando City and the Chicago Fire meet in Eastern Conference play

AUGUST 18 • Associated Press

Chicago Fire center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi out for season | MLSSoccer.com Chicago Fire FC All-Star center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi will miss the remainder of the 2026 MLS season after sustaining a thigh tear, head co...

AUGUST 7 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Charlotte FC plays the Chicago Fire after shutout win

A game after shutting out the New York Red Bulls 2-0, Charlotte FC visits the Chicago Fire

JULY 31 • Associated Press

Facing months on sidelines Mbokazi (thigh) tore his thigh in training and will be out for months, according to coach Gregg Berhalter, per Tim Hotze.

Impact Mbokazi already missed the midweek loss to Inter Miami and Saturday's match against New York City FC with the lower body issue before this update confirmed the severity. Joel Waterman is expected to continue in the starting lineup as his replacement during the extended absence. Mbokazi is expected to begin a lengthy recovery process after starring for South Africa at the 2026 World Cup.

JULY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out once again Mbokazi (lower body) is out for Saturday's game against New York City FC, according to Joe Chatz of OnTap Sports.

Impact Mbokazi didn't play in the 3-2 loss to Inter Miami in midweek, and the center-back, who starred for South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is sidelined once again. With Mbokazi out, Joel Waterman should continue in the XI as his replacement.

JULY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Doubtful with lower body issue Mbokazi is questionable for Wednesday's clash with Inter Miami while he recovers from a lower body injury, according to the league.

Impact Mbokazi had been a consistent center-back for his club before making four appearances for South Africa at the World Cup, but it seems like he got hurt at some point. If he can play, the Fire add another defensive option, although his final status will be a late decision to face Miami.

JULY 21 • ROTOWIRE

MASSIVE clearance from Mbekezeli Mbokazi to keep things level for South Africa 🇿🇦

JUNE 28 • FOX SPORTS

Records 12 clearances in win Mbokazi had one tackle (one won), 12 clearances and two interceptions in Wednesday's 1-0 win against South Korea.

Impact Mbokazi delivered the most dominant defensive performance of the match in Wednesday's 1-0 win over South Korea, registering 12 clearances, two interceptions and one tackle across his 90 minutes as the left center-back in South Africa's back four, consistently dealing with South Korea's aerial threat and clearing danger from his penalty area in a match where the quality of his defensive work was central to preserving the clean sheet that sent Bafana Bafana into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. The center-back completed 24 passes and won two aerial duels as one of the defensive pillars that frustrated Oh Hyun-Gyu and Hwang Hee-Chan throughout, with his 12 clearances the most of any player on the pitch from either side. His aerial dominance, defensive authority and reading of the game make him South Africa's most physically commanding defensive option heading into the round of 32 against Canada, where his ability to deal with aerial threats and organize the backline will be essential to any upset his side can produce.

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Mbekezeli Mbokazi helps South Africa earn dramatic World Cup comeback | MLSSoccer.com As full-time loomed in Thursday's Group A match at Atlanta Stadium, it looked as though Chicago Fire FC defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi's hopes o...

JUNE 18 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Three shots and 10 clearances Mbokazi had three shots (zero on goal) in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Czech Republic. He also added 10 clearances.

Impact Mbokazi was one of the top performers for the Bafana Bafana and had an impressive outing, tallying a team-high three shots and adding 10 clearances, another team-high mark. Mbokazi has arguably been a standout performer for South Africa and should remain a key cog at the back in their group-stage finale against South Korea on Wednesday, June 24.

JUNE 18 • ROTOWIRE

Four clearances in loss Mbokazi had one shot (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 2-0 defeat against Mexico. He also added four clearances and two tackles

Impact Mbokazi tried to score with a long-range shot that didn't unsettle Jose Rangel, and in the end, that was one of two shots on target the African side had throughout the contest. However, he should earn most of his fantasy upside through defensive stats as long as he stays in the XI.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

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Orlando City takes on the Chicago Fire in Eastern Conference action

Charlotte FC plays the Chicago Fire after shutout win

MASSIVE clearance from Mbekezeli Mbokazi to keep things level for South Africa 🇿🇦