Whenever there’s a World Cup, there is always a relatively unheard of player who really shines – and in 2026, that player is Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who Everton now need to look at.
The club are looking to add a centre-back this summer, and so far a host of players have been linked.
James Tarkowski and Michael Keane are both ageing and faced strong criticism at the back end of last season.
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Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness issues are well-documented.
So there’s definitely scope for a new centre-back option, and preferably one who can be an option for years to come.
And after the last couple of weeks, Mbekezeli Mbokazi seems like a player who needs to be on Everton’s transfer radar.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi looks like a star in the making and Everton should make enquiries
Last night, South Africa crashed out of the World Cup after a devastating 1-0 defeat to co-host nation Canada.
It was a drab game that culminated in the Canadians scoring in injury-time to advance to the last 16.
It was a shame for South Africa, but for Mbekezeli Mbokazi this was a seriously impressive showing on the world stage.
He played all four games for South Africa, and stood out with his authority and composure in the backline.
As per Sofascore data, he won 6/11 duels, completed 79/87 (91%) passes and made an impressive eight defensive actions against Canada.
South Africa’s manager Hugo Broos was full of praise for him after the game, saying (via iDiski Times): “Mbokazi is a very good player, he is young and has made progress.
“When I see him now and compared to one year ago, I think he’s become better and better.
“I really hope for him in the next months or year that he should go to a bigger competition where he’s more challenged.
“He can become better than he is now – he’s not only a good player, he’s also a leader, certainly.
“So I expect much from him and for him to have a fantastic career.
“Strong, quick, good in passing, a very good defender – and with Okon next to him? Two young players. The future of Bafana Bafana central defence is secure.”
Mbokazi’s showings at the World Cup are not a flash in the pan, either. He plays his club football with Chicago Fire, and ESPN recently reported how his stock has risen ‘astronomically’ due to his ‘immense footballing talent as a ball-playing centre-back, with an aptitude for physical duels and a fierce shot’.
What may count against Mbokazi
As good a World Cup tournament as Mbokazi has just had, there is perhaps one thing that may stop Everton from making a move.
And that is the fact that he is not especially tall for a centre-back.
He is 5ft 10in, which is fairly short for a central defender in today’s game, and as we know, the current options at Everton are all well over 6ft.
David Moyes clearly likes big physical profiles, so this may mean we don’t see Everton joining any transfer hunt for Mbokazi, which would be a shame.
Because he is still a strong player, and that composure, authority and athleticism would be very nice to have.
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