Mbekezeli Mbokazi<\/a> checked off a major milestone on Thursday in Mexico City.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Chicago Fire FC<\/a> center back played his first-ever FIFA World Cup<\/a> game, going the full 90 minutes for South Africa in a 2-0 defeat<\/a> to co-hosts Mexico that began Group A action.<\/p>\n The 2026 MLS All-Star<\/a> defender was arguably Bafana Bafana’s best player, showing off his diverse skill set amid goals from El Tri forwards Juli\u00e1n Qui\u00f1ones and Ra\u00fal Jim\u00e9nez in the tournament’s opening match.<\/p>\n South Africa finished the contest with nine men after Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were both red-carded in the second half.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) June 11, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Mbokazi, 20,\u00a0joined Chicago<\/a> ahead of the 2026 season from South African Premiership side Orlando Pirates on a U22 Initiative deal.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n Mbokazi’s form helped him make South Africa’s World Cup roster<\/a>, earning the call from manager Hugo Broos alongside Philadelphia Union<\/a> center back Olwethu Makhanya<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n He now has 11 caps and was a key starter during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations run.<\/p>\n South Africa’s next World Cup match arrives on June 18 when they face Czechia at Atlanta Stadium, home of Atlanta United<\/a>. Points will be at a premium, as the expanded tournament format sees 32 teams make the knockout rounds.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n MLS form<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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