Chicago Fire FC hand Mbokazi hope of returning before MLS season ends

Chicago Fire FC coach Gregg Berhalter says Mbekezeli Mbokazi could return before the end of the season, after admitting his original assessment that the South Africa defender would miss the entire campaign was premature.

Mbokazi was initially ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a thigh tear before the resumption of the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign. Berhalter had described the injury as a difficult setback, particularly after the player’s impressive performances for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But the defender’s recovery is now progressing well enough for Chicago Fire FC to consider the possibility of his return before the season is over.

Berhalter provided the update after his side drew 1-1 with New York Red Bulls at the weekend. While he stressed that there is still no fixed date for Mbokazi’s comeback, the coach offered a more positive outlook than his earlier diagnosis.

“I think the information I gave that he’s definitely out for the season was premature,” Berhalter said, per GOAL.

“He’s in a rehab program now and he’s progressing.

“There’s no exact timeframe for when he’s going to be back, but there is a possibility it is before the end of the season.”

Mbokazi’s potential return would give Chicago Fire FC an additional boost during a strong run of form. The club have gone seven matches across all competitions without defeat, meaning his absence has not affected the team as heavily as might initially have been expected.

Even so, Berhalter indicated that Mbokazi’s presence would be welcomed as the campaign develops. The player had been expected to remain unavailable after the thigh injury, but his rehabilitation has reopened the prospect of him featuring again before the season concludes.

For now, Chicago Fire FC will continue to manage the defender’s recovery without setting a firm schedule. Berhalter’s latest comments suggest that the club are encouraged by his progress, although the timing of his return remains uncertain.

Mbokazi’s injury came at a particularly challenging point, following his notable display at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and just before Major League Soccer resumed. The initial expectation was that the setback had ended his season, but the latest update has introduced the possibility of an earlier comeback.

The club’s unbeaten sequence has provided some stability while Mbokazi has been absent. However, the prospect of having the South African available again before the end of the campaign represents welcome news for Berhalter and his squad.