Major League Soccer

Bafana Star Mbokazi Named to MLS All-Star First XI

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Kyle Rodden/CSM/Shutterstock (16785173bo) Chicago Fire Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi (4) controls the ball during the first half of an MLS match against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania MLS Union Vs Fire, Chester, USA - 21 Mar 2026

Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has earned a place in the First XI for the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game.

Mbokazi topped the fan voting and became only the second South African in MLS history to be selected for an All-Star Game roster, following in the footsteps of Doctor Khumalo, who earned the honour in 1996.

The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will see Major League Soccer’s finest go head-to-head with a team of stars from Mexico’s top flight, Liga MX, on 29 July in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The 20-year-old has been included in the team that features stars like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min, who makes his first appearances.

The MLS All-Stars will face a team of All-Stars from Mexico’s LIGA MX at the Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, July 29.

2026 MLS All-Star Game First XI

Goalkeeper: Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)

Left Back: Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC)

Center Backs: Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
Right Back: Andy Najar (Nashville SC)

Defensive Midfielder: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)

Attacking Midfielders: Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC)

Forwards: Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire FC), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Leo Messi (Inter Miami CF)