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SportsChicago Fire FC's Mbekezeli Mbokazi out indefinitely with thigh tear
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Chicago Fire FC center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has suffered a thigh tear during training and will be sidelined for an extended period, according to head coach Gregg Berhalter. The injury occurred after the FIFA World Cup break, during which the Fire lost two consecutive MLS matches, including a 3-1 defeat to NYCFC. Mbokazi, a standout signing from Orlando Pirates, had earned an MLS All-Star selection but had to withdraw due to the injury. He also played a key role for South Africa in the World Cup. Berhalter stated the club is considering but has not committed to signing a replacement center back during the transfer window.
Source report
Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net By Joe Chatz | Last updated Jul 26, 2026 12:56 AM ET
The Chicago Fire have returned to Major League Soccer's regular season with two losses following the FIFA Men's World Cup break, and the club will now be without one of its key players for an extended period.
Injury Details
Chicago Fire FC center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has suffered a "thigh tear" that will keep him out "for a while," according to director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter. The update came after the Fire's 3-1 loss to NYCFC at Yankee Stadium.
Mbokazi had not featured in either of Chicago's games since the World Cup break. He was listed as "questionable" on the availability report with a lower leg injury before the midweek match and was later downgraded to "out" ahead of the trip to NYCFC.
Berhalter did not sound optimistic when discussing the situation after the contest in the Bronx:
"It's not good, it's not good. He's going to be out for a while. He took a shot in training, scuffed the ground and got a tear in his thigh. It's serious, he won't be back for a good amount of time."
Impact on the Team
Mbokazi has been a revelation since signing for the Chicago Fire in the offseason from Orlando Pirates in the South African Premiership. The center back integrated seamlessly into Chicago's backline and earned a spot in the MLS All-Star game, which he had to vacate due to this injury.
The injury is a major loss for Mbokazi, particularly after his strong performance with South Africa during the FIFA World Cup, where the team qualified for the knockout rounds.
Transfer Window Considerations
Berhalter would not commit to saying the club will add a center back in the wake of Mbokazi's injury during the transfer window.
"We don't have an answer for that right now. It is something that we're considering."
This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.
Source
Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
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Chicago Fire FC's Mbekezeli Mbokazi out indefinitely with thigh tear