According to iDiski Times, Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed the South African centre-back is expected to be out for an extended period after tearing his thigh during a training session. Mbokazi has already missed Chicago’s first two MLS matches following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeats to Inter Miami and New York City FC, and has also been ruled out of the MLS All-Star Game.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for the 20-year-old, who impressed for Bafana at the World Cup and had carried that momentum into what looked set to be a breakthrough period in Major League Soccer. His performances had reportedly attracted interest ahead of the transfer window deadline.
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“Mbokazi is a miss. We feel we have good centre-backs there anyway, but Mbokazi is a top centre-back, so we have to get used to the new normal,” Berhalter said.
“He took a shot in training, hit the ground a little bit, scuffed the ground and ended up tearing his thigh. He won’t be around for a good amount of time.”
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The setback leaves Chicago without one of their standout defenders as they push for an MLS play-off place during a busy run of fixtures in August.
Photo: Tim Austen/Getty Images
