SA defender Mbokazi selected to MLS All-Star team

South Africa defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was on Friday selected to the Major Soccer League All-Star Roster for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.

The 20-year-old garnered the most fan votes of any player, and also becomes the second South African player selected to an MLS All-Star Game roster after Doctor Khumalo in 1996.

The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will feature the MLS All-Stars taking on a team of All-Stars from Mexico’s top soccer league, LIGA MX, on Wednesday, 29 July, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Selected through a combined vote of MLS fans, players, and media members, Mbokazi’s teammates will include Lionel Messi and South Korean star Son Heung-Min, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur but now at Los Angeles FC.

Mbokazi will come up against Son at the World Cup later this month.

2026 MLS All-Star Game First XI:

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), Leo Messi (Inter Miami)