Houston Dynamo FC news

MLS midseason tiers: Miami, SJ impress, but Atlanta raise concern

Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.

Mbokazi hailed as one of the most popular players in MLS

When the 20-year-old moved from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire, it triggered a massive upsurge on the Chicago club's social media, which saw 180,000 followers join in the first 48 hours. That figure has since grown to over half a million South African social media accounts now following the club, making up a quarter of their entire online audience.

Los Angeles Football Club v Real Salt Lake

Bouanga signs new LAFC deal following offseason interest

Los Angeles FC star Denis Bouanga has signed a new contract, committing his future to the club amid reported interest from abroad. The winger has signed a deal that runs through 2028, with an option through the 2029-30 season. Since joining LAFC in 2022, the 31-year-old has scored 94 overall goals - moving him past Carlos Vela as the club's all-time scorer.

WATCH: Mbokazi struggles in MLS debut despite moment of brilliance

The 20-year-old started his first competitive match for his new club, but it did not go as planned. Despite taking the lead in the first half through Hugo Cuypers, Chicago succumbed to two second half goals to slump to their first defeat of the Eastern Conference season. Puso Dithejane also made his debut when he replaced his fellow countryman in the 88th minute.

'Don't be surprised to see Mbokazi at Sundowns! Berg betrayed Pirates like they did with Chiefs'

The 20-year-old made a surprising exit to the Major Soccer League after making his name in South Africa while turning out for the Sea Robbers. There was reported interest from Europe, where some top teams were linked with the Bafana Bafana international. However, the centre-back and his representatives opted to go to the United States.

Houston Dynamo FC vs Chicago Fire FC: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

MLS is back! Catch Houston Dynamo FC as they host Chicago Fire FC in a thrilling 2026 season opener at Shell Energy Stadium. Don’t miss a second of the action.

REVEALED! How Sundowns' Berg sold Mbokazi to MLS

The move made by the Bafana Bafana defender to switch from the Premier Soccer League to Major League Soccer remains one of the most controversial transfer stories in recent history. One of the high-profile figures to oppose it was Hugo Broos, and the coach's comments almost rocked the national team camp as it prepared for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco. While some argued the move was made in haste, others felt it could end up opening the window for the defender to Europe eventually.

MLS Player Survey: Best Player, best club, biggest issues ahead

GOAL surveyed players across MLS for the 2026 season on a number of topics, with some surprising responses

Key MLS 2026 dates, schedule info & TV details

If you're wondering about the main dates for the upcoming Major League Soccer season, GOAL has you covered - plus more info on how to watch games on TV

Inside MLS 3.0: GMs, CSOs on what comes next - and what must change

GOAL spoke to GMs and chief soccer officers across MLS about the league’s 3.0 vision: the calendar change is progress, but executives say the next steps must come faster.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Chicago Fire FC, February 2026

Is this what Pirates will miss in PSL race? Have a look at TLB's vow to Chicago Fire

The 20-year-old sealed an overseas deal less than a year after making his first appearance for the Buccaneers’ senior side. His swift progression underlines a meteoric rise that few would have predicted when he broke into the Soweto giants' first team in March 2025. The transfer is widely expected to open the doors to even more competitive leagues in Europe.

From Chivas USA to Miami, all franchises in MLS history - ranked

Ahead of what is poised to be a significant World Cup year season, GOAL offers the definitive ranking of every MLS club in league history

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Chicago Fire, December 2025

Mbokazi breaks silence on criticism of Chicago Fire move

The 20-year-old surprised everyone when his move to MLS was announced in December 2025 shortly before the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup final where he captained his side to victory against Marumo Gallants. In a year in which he had broken into the Bucs first team and Hugo Broos Bafana Bafana set up as a teenager, it was expected that a European football would be his next destination.

Mbokazi's agent hits back at 'sexist' Broos, insists Bafana coach's success 'doesn't allow him to be disrespectful'

The veteran 73-year-old Belgian did not approve of the former Orlando Pirates defender's move to Major League Soccer, which he felt was a waste. He felt the youngster's agent was driven by greed and naivety as opposed to the player's growth in football. The South Africa coach believes TLB is ripe for Europe owing to his talent.

MLS 2026 kits tier list: From iconic St. Louis to bland San Diego

GOAL takes a look at which MLS teams did the best, and worst, with their kits this season

MLS watchability tiers: Who’s the best team to watch this year?

MLS returns with a packed schedule and familiar chaos. From stars like Messi, Rodriguez, and Son Heung-Min to the teams you can avoid, here’s who’s actually worth your weekend watch.

Betting spotlight

Poland vs Nigeria Predictions: Pride on the line in Warsaw

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Bradley Cross, Kaizer Chiefs, August 2025

Cross could be rubbing shoulders with Reus! Chiefs star 'traveled to America' for LA Galaxy stint

The 25-year-old left-back is one of the quality players at the Glamour Boys who were brought on board by former coach Nasreddine Nabi to help in rebuilding the Soweto giants, who have not been delivering consistently, in recent years, as they should both domestically and on the continental scene.

Cruz Azul v Mazatlan FC - Torneo Apertura 2025 Liga MX

Report: Bogusz close to joining Houston Dynamo as Cruz Azul exit nears

Mateusz Bogusz is on the verge of leaving Cruz Azul, with Houston Dynamo pushing to finalize a permanent transfer. Reports indicate a deal worth up to $10 million including add-ons is close, as both clubs iron out final details. The Polish midfielder could soon return to MLS as Houston reshape their squad for 2026.

Toluca v Mazatlan FC - Torneo Apertura 2025 Liga MX

Herrera returns to Dynamo after title-winning spell in Liga MX

Houston Dynamo confirmed the return of Héctor Herrera, ending weeks of speculation about the veteran midfielder’s future. The club signed the 35-year-old to a contract for the 2026 MLS season, with a team option to extend the deal through June 2027. Herrera will once again wear No. 16, a number closely tied to his first stint with the Texas-based club.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Cyriel Dessers, South Africa vs Nigeria

Memo sent to Messi & Co. after Mbokazi's arrival in MLS! TLB 'can deal with top players'

The 20-year-old defender has been doing well for both club and country, explaining why he was snapped up by the Major League Soccer outfit from the Buccaneers, who gave him a chance in March 2025. The centre-back was part of the Bafana Bafana team that featured in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where they reached the Round of 16.

'I have to make it' - How McGlynn is approaching World Cup push

From knee scooters and crosswords and a World Cup lock screen, USMNT and Houston Dynamo midfielder Jack McGlynn explains how injury recovery sharpened his 2026 push.

'One of the Best!' Dithejane earns high praise from USA World Cup icon after MLS move

The Men in Red officially announced the 21-year-old on Tuesday afternoon, expressing confidence in the positive impact he is expected to bring to the club. Meanwhile, the Rockets took to social media to express their appreciation for the former Glamour Boy, thanking him for his professionalism and contributions during his time at the club, while wishing him well in the next chapter of his career.

LA Galaxy v New York Red Bull: Final - MLS Cup 2024