Chicago's Mbekezeli Mbokazi makes World Cup debut with South Africa | OneFootball

By Jonathan Sigal

Mbekezeli Mbokazi checked off a major milestone on Thursday in Mexico City.

The Chicago Fire FC center back played his first-ever FIFA World Cup game, going the full 90 minutes for South Africa in a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico that began Group A action.

The 2026 MLS All-Star defender was arguably Bafana Bafana's best player, showing off his diverse skill set amid goals from El Tri forwards Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez in the tournament's opening match.

South Africa finished the contest with nine men after Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were both red-carded in the second half.

MLS form

Mbokazi, 20, joined Chicago ahead of the 2026 season from South African Premiership side Orlando Pirates on a U22 Initiative deal. 

He has hit the ground running in MLS, starting 12 games as Chicago sit third in the Eastern Conference table at the World Cup break (26 points).

Mbokazi's form helped him make South Africa's World Cup roster, earning the call from manager Hugo Broos alongside Philadelphia Union center back Olwethu Makhanya.

He now has 11 caps and was a key starter during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations run.

Next up

South Africa's next World Cup match arrives on June 18 when they face Czechia at Atlanta Stadium, home of Atlanta United. Points will be at a premium, as the expanded tournament format sees 32 teams make the knockout rounds.

Bafana Bafana are making their first World Cup appearance since hosting the 2010 tournament. This is their fourth time competing at the sport's biggest event; they've never advanced past the Group Stage.