Mbekezeli Mbokazi: Bafana Bafana Star Ranked Among Best Players at 2026 FIFA World Cup

• South African international Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been ranked among the best players among his peers at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in North America
• The Bafana Bafana star produced top-notch performances in South Africa's two group games, but they have yet to win a match
• The former Premier Soccer League star was praised by South Africans on social media after his recent achievement at the World Cup

Bafana Bafana star Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been listed among the best performers amongst his peers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite South Africa's poor performance so far in the competition.

The South African international put up a good performance in South Africa's clash against Mexico and the Czech Republic, but they couldn't get a win in any of the games.

He is rated among the best players in his position ahead of the tournament, and he's already showing off his individual footballing talent.

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Mbokazi ranked among the best

Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been ranked among the top 10 U23 players following the opening round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 20-year-old Bafana Bafana defender has stood out for his performances at the tournament held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, drawing attention from international scouts and performance analysts.

According to the CIES Football Observatory of the International Centre for Sports Studies, Mbokazi ranked fourth in its defensive performance index, which evaluates players primarily on ground-defending metrics. His ranking was influenced by his showing against Mexico, where he was assessed among the top U23 performers in his position.

The evaluation system measures factors such as ground duels won in the defensive half relative to team averages, interception rates in the same zone, and the frequency of goals conceded while the player is on the pitch.

Against Mexico, Mbokazi, who joined the Chicago Fire during the January transfer window, recorded five successful duels from nine attempts, contributed four clearances, registered one interception, blocked a shot, and completed three recoveries, an all-around defensive output that strengthened his ranking.

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New Zealand’s Paul Okon leads the standings, followed by Ghana’s Jonas Adjetey in second place and Spain’s Gavi in third, with Mbokazi completing the top four.

Fans react to Mbokazi's achievement

Mbokazi's latest achievement gathered different reactions from South Africans on social media ahead of Bafana Bafana's clash against South Korea.

Slindy Mlshengu Shabs shared:

"Well-deserved listing, and Mbokazi would continue to impress."

Nkanyiso Barman said:

"The boy just keeps getting up."

Lusikisiki wrote:

"He deserves to go to the next round."

Sikelela Madonsela commented:

"He will be receiving offers from the top 5 leagues after the World Cup."

Sya Kheswa added:

"Orlando Pirates should have sold him after the World Cup 😔."

Williams sends a message to South Africans

Briefly News earlier reported that Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen William has made a huge promise ahead of South Africa's next World Cup group game against the Czech Republic.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper also reflected on Bafana Bafana's defeat against Mexico in their opening fixture in the competition.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News