Charlotte FC will host Major League Soccer’s 2026 All-Star Game at Bank of America Stadium, the league announced Wednesday.
The North Carolina expansion team, which first played in MLS in 2022, will host the event for the first time in club history.
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"Charlotte has turned into a big-time soccer city, and we are pleased to bring the 2026 MLS All-Star Game to the Queen City," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a news release. "The city and region keep showing up for the sport – from packed Charlotte FC crowds to global events like the FIFA Club World Cup and Copa América the past two summers. We’re excited to bring another marquee soccer event to Charlotte."
The date and opponent for the league's 30th All-Star Game will be announced at a later date.
"The success of soccer matches at Bank of America Stadium has helped position Charlotte on the global stage as a premier destination for hosting some of the world’s top players and teams," said David Tepper, owner and chairman of Tepper Sports & Entertainment. "With 2026 set to be a landmark year for soccer in the United States, we’re honored to play a part by hosting the MLS All-Star Game."
The MLS All-Star players compete against the best of Liga MX.
"I am proud that North Carolina has been chosen to host the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game,” Gov. Josh Stein in a news release from his office. “Our state’s new Major Events Fund puts us in a stronger position to compete for these highly visible, top-tier events that draw people and their resources to our state.
“Visitors to Charlotte will see that North Carolina is a great place to live, work and play.”
Stein’s release said a $2,028,950 grant will help support the Charlotte Sports Foundation and other local partners in hosting the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. The money comes from the Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund. The grant received authorization from the state legislature and is offered by the Department of Commerce.
“Bringing the MLS All Star Game to Charlotte will showcase the talent of one of the most dynamic and fast-growing sports leagues,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “The selection process for major events like this are very competitive, and we appreciate the General Assembly providing another tool to help the state to win more of these national-level events and attractions.”
Since Charlotte FC's debut in 2022, the club has had at least 15 games with more than 34,000 fans, according to MLS.
Bank of America Stadium regularly draws crowds of 50,000-plus for international soccer, which has included club and international friendlies, Copa América and the FIFA Club World Cup.