By Billy McGee
June 21, 2026
Photo: Charlotte FC
With the World Cup now officially over, Charlotte FC resumes its MLS season with a home match against I-85 rivals Atlanta United — their first home match since a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution. Riding a two-match MLS winning streak, the Crown currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference with 21 points through 15 matches, while Atlanta United enters the matchup in 14th place with just three wins.
There will be one major change for Charlotte FC moving forward following the departure of Wilfried Zaha. The club has replaced him with Allan Saint-Maximin, an electrifying winger who joined the Crown on a free transfer after featuring for Ligue 1 side RC Lens. Saint-Maximin should provide a boost to Charlotte’s attack as the team pushes for a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference, which would secure a home playoff match. However, fans will have to wait to see him make his debut as he is still getting his visa sorted out and will not be available for the upcoming match.
Atlanta United has already returned to MLS action, falling 1-0 to Nashville SC in their first game back on July 17, giving up a 79th-minute goal to Shak Mohammed. Atlanta struggled in the first half of the season, scoring the fewest goals in MLS (14) and tied for the second-worst record in the Supporters’ Shield standings with just 11 points. They were much stronger defensively than in attack, conceding 24 goals, the seventh-fewest in the East.
Charlotte FC should be well positioned to earn a positive result at home, but they’ll need All-Star midfielder Pep Biel to pick up where he left off and continue serving as the creative engine of the attack. Biel leads the club with seven goals and four assists while boasting an xG+A of 8.9. Defensively, the Crown shouldn’t face many problems against an Atlanta side that has scored a league-low 14 goals through 15 matches this season. A strong performance from Kristijan Kahlina and Charlotte’s back line could be the difference in securing all three points in what projects to be a tightly contested, low-scoring affair.
“I was very impressed with Atlanta. I thought they played very well against Nashville,” said head coach Dean Smith during his press availability. “They’re a team we’re not taking lightly by any means, and we’re going to need our supporters on Wednesday night because it’s going to be a tough game. The way they played, I think they showed that despite their position in the league.”
The matchup marks the first MLS meeting between the two clubs this season after they previously faced off in the U.S. Open Cup, where Atlanta came out on top 2-0 against a heavily rotated Charlotte FC side featuring just two regular starters in the starting lineup. The Crown hold the all-time series advantage with a 5-4 record, including a 2-2 mark at home.
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The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22 at Bank of America Stadium airing on Apple TV, FS1, and Fox Deportes. Early-arriving fans will receive an Ashley Westwood bobblehead, while the stadium is also offering $1 hot dogs and $5 beer as part of its matchday promotions. The night will also feature a special appearance from 18-time Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest champion Joey Chestnut, who will serve as the Coronation Honoree.
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