Mbekezeli Mbokazi

RSA

• #14 • Center Back

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

RSA

• #14 • Center Back

Club

Chicago Fire

League

Major League Soccer

Position

Center Back

Role

Ball-Playing Center Back

Birthdate (Age)

Sep 19, 2005 (21)

Preferred Foot

Left

Height

5'10"

Weight

198 lb

National Team

South Africa

Ranking

World Cup

2026 All matches

Overall grade

76.8

74/974

Impact score

6.7

397/974

Defender rank

35th

35/350

All rank

123rd

123/974

Grades

Key Grades

2026 World Cup

Overall

29th/356 DEF

76.8

On Ball Attacking

40th/313 DEF

69.9

Duel

104th/338 DEF

1 V 1 Defending

26th/342 DEF

79.9

Positioning

83rd/351 DEF

75.6

Ball Control

95th/352 DEF

70.6

Overall Grades by game

2026 World Cup

Metrics

Key Metrics

2026 World Cup

Appearances

Starts

Minutes

406

Goals

Assists

Upcoming matches

Oct 29, 12:30am UTC

Chicago Fire

Orlando City

Soldier Field • MLS Pass on Apple TV

Nov 1, 1:30am UTC

Colorado Rapids

Chicago Fire

Dick's Sporting Goods Park • MLS Pass on Apple TV

Nov 7, 9:00pm UTC

Chicago Fire

Columbus Crew

Soldier Field • MLS Pass on Apple TV

News

Oct 25, 2026

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.

Analysis: 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.

Sep 26, 2026

Starts against Charlotte

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

Analysis: 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.