Chicago Fire’s Mbekezeli Mbokazi has become the second South African after the great Doctor Khumalo to be named in Major League Soccer’s All-Star team after winning the most votes of any player, including Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min, in 2026.
Selected by fans, players and journalists, the team is recognition for players who have made an outstanding contribution in the season to date.
They will take on a similar All-Stars team from Mexico’s LIGA MX in Charlotte on July 29, where Mbokazi may come up against some of the players he will do battle with in the 2026 World Cup opener in Mexico City on June 11.
Mbokazi will partner United States centre-back Tim Ream in the heart of defence in the All-Star side, and will have Messi, Son and Fire teammate Hugo Cuypers in the line-up.
MLS All-Star XI: Brian Schwake (Nashville SC), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Zavier Gozo(Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire FC), Son Heung-min (LAFC), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF).
