Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been voted into the First XI for the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game.
The 20-year-old Hluhlulwe-born superstar received more votes than any other player selected in the team.
HISTORIC RECOGNITION FOR MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI
Major League Soccer confirmed the First XI selections on Friday following a combined vote involving supporters, players and media members.
The Chicago Fire defender becomes the first South African player to earn MLS All-Star selection since Doctor Khumalo in 1996.
Mbokazi’s inclusion follows a strong debut campaign in the United States, where he has established himself as one of the league’s standout young defenders.
SET FOR ALL-STAR SHOWPIECE
The 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star squad features some of world football’s biggest names, including Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi and Los Angeles FC attacker Son Heung-min.
The Major League Soccer All-Stars will face their Liga MX counterparts on 29 July at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
THE MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI FAST RISE
Raised by his grandmother, he progressed through local clubs before joining Orlando Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge in 2023, where he captained the reserve side and established himself as one of the country’s brightest defensive prospects.
Promoted to the Pirates first team in 2025, Mbokazi made an immediate impact, earning Man of the Match honours against Mamelodi Sundowns and helping the club win the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup.
His performances also fast-tracked his international career, with the centre-back becoming a regular for Bafana Bafana after debuting in June 2025 and starring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
His rapid development attracted overseas interest, culminating in a record-breaking $3 million move to Chicago Fire FC in December 2025. The transfer made him the most expensive defender in Premier Soccer League history, completing a remarkable journey from Pirates prospect to international star in less than a year.
