News Summary
Charlotte will host the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game at Bank of America Stadium, marking a significant milestone for the city. This is the first time the event will take place in Charlotte, reflecting the growing prominence of Charlotte FC. North Carolina’s Governor, Josh Stein, emphasized the state’s pride in hosting the event, which aims to boost the region’s profile as a major sports destination. With substantial economic impact expected, the week-long celebration will include various soccer-related events and attract global attention.
Charlotte will be the host city for the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game, marking a significant milestone as this will be the first time the event takes place in the city. The game is set to occur at Bank of America Stadium, which is home to both Charlotte FC and the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
The announcement comes as Charlotte FC, which began its journey in 2019 as the MLS’s 28th franchise and made its league debut in 2022, takes on an increasingly prominent role in the soccer landscape. Owned by David Tepper, who is also the owner of the Carolina Panthers, the club has quickly built a solid following, with attendance at approximately 15 games exceeding 34,000 fans.
North Carolina’s Governor Josh Stein expressed pride that the state has been selected to host this prestigious event, aligning with the state’s efforts to boost its profile as a destination for major sports events. The newly established Major Events Fund, created in 2023, is designed to attract significant events to North Carolina and will play an instrumental role in the hosting of the All-Star Game. The fund will provide a grant of $2,028,950 to support the Charlotte Sports Foundation and its partners in organizing the game.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game promises to have a substantial economic impact on the local area. Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber referred to Charlotte as a “big-time soccer city” due to its impressive attendance rates and its history of hosting international events. The date of the game and the opposing team will be announced at a later date, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
Historically, Charlotte has welcomed significant soccer matches, including fixtures from Copa America and the FIFA Club World Cup. Bank of America Stadium has a proven track record of accommodating large crowds, with over 50,000 fans attending international soccer events. The stadium contributes a healthy $1.1 billion annually to the economic vitality of the Charlotte metropolitan area, underscoring the importance of such major sports events to the local economy.
The 30th installment of the MLS All-Star Game coincides with a week-long celebration dedicated to soccer and culture in Charlotte. A range of events is planned for the All-Star week, including the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, and the MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration. The excitement surrounding the event is amplified by its global reach, as the game will be broadcast in over 100 countries and regions through the MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
Charlotte FC experienced a historic moment during its inaugural home opener, setting a league record with 74,479 fans in attendance, showcasing the city’s growing stature as a premier soccer destination in North America. With the preparations and anticipation for the upcoming 2026 MLS All-Star Game, Charlotte is poised to further solidify its reputation in the world of soccer.
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HERE Resources
Charlotte to Host 2026 MLS All-Star Game
Charlotte Set to Host 2026 MLS All-Star Game
Additional Resources
- WRAL Sports
- Wikipedia: MLS All-Star Game
- Charlotte Football Club
- Google Search: Charlotte MLS All-Star Game 2026
- ESPN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Major League Soccer
- MLS Soccer
- Google News: MLS All-Star Game Charlotte
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
