South Africa defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been named in the Major League Soccer All-Star roster for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.
The 20-year-old was selected on Friday after receiving the most fan votes of any player. His inclusion also makes him only the second South African to be chosen for an MLS All-Star Game roster, following Doctor Khumalo’s selection in 1996.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will take place on Wednesday, 29 July, in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the MLS All-Stars will face a team of stars from Mexico’s top division, Liga MX.
Mbokazi was selected through a combined vote involving MLS fans, players and media members. He joins a star-studded First XI that includes Lionel Messi and South Korea captain Son Heung-min, the former Tottenham Hotspur forward who now plays for Los Angeles FC.
Mbokazi is also set to face Son at the FIFA World Cup later this month, adding another intriguing storyline to the South African defender’s breakthrough year.
Goalkeeper: Brian Schwake — Nashville
Left Back: Anthony Markanich — Minnesota United
Centre Backs: Mbekezeli Mbokazi — Chicago Fire; Tim Ream — Charlotte
Right Back: Andy Najar — Nashville
Defensive Midfielder: Sebastian Berhalter — Vancouver Whitecaps
Attacking Midfielders: Zavier Gozo — Real Salt Lake; Hany Mukhtar — Nashville SC
Forwards: Hugo Cuypers — Chicago Fire; Son Heung-min — Los Angeles FC; Lionel Messi — Inter Miami
