By Billy McGee
February 13, 2026
Charlotte FC’s fifth season is approaching, with the club looking to build on its success in 2025. The Crown finished with a club-record 59 points, placing fourth in the Eastern Conference and earning home-field advantage in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time, where they ultimately lost in three games. This season, they will have multiple opportunities to win their first trophy, competing in MLS league play, the U.S. Open Cup, and the Leagues Cup.
Charlotte has made roster moves to bolster the squad and add depth, but still has needs to fill leading into the season. Pep Biel will return on a permanent transfer after playing last season on loan. Biel’s contract runs through December 31, 2027, with a club option through December 31, 2028. Joining Biel in the midfield is Luca de la Torre, who was acquired from Spanish side Celta Vigo in late December. De la Torre has MLS experience — having played last season on loan for San Diego FC — bringing a profile to Charlotte’s midfield that the club has never had: a player capable of carrying the ball forward in buildup and joining the attack. With de la Torre, the offense should be more versatile, able to progress the pitch with long passes and carry the ball up the wings and through the middle.
Some moves have also been made on the back line to solidify the defense and add depth. Center-back Henry Kessler joins the club on a free transfer after most recently playing for St. Louis City. Kessler will likely slot into the right center-back role left vacant by the departure of Adilson Malanda. Left-back David Schnegg was acquired through waivers from D.C. United, providing Charlotte with additional depth at fullback and creating competition with Harry Toffolo for the starting left-back spot. The Crown also signed goalkeeper Tyler Miller from Bolton Wanderers to serve as the second-choice keeper behind Kristijan Kahlina.
Three players also joined the Charlotte FC organization through the MLS SuperDraft: midfielder Will Cleary from Stanford in the first round, defender Luke Adams from Tulsa in the second round, and goalkeeper Jahiem Wickham from USF in the third round. The draft picks will likely see most of their playing time with Charlotte FC’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Crown Legacy FC.
The Crown still has needs to fill in the transfer market, most importantly at center-back. The departure of Adilson Malanda to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough has left Charlotte without a right-sided center-back to pair with Tim Ream and Andrew Privett, both of whom primarily play as left-sided center-backs.
There are many games for fans to look forward to this season, with Charlotte’s MLS campaign kicking off on the road against St. Louis City SC on February 21. The home slate begins on March 7 against Austin FC, followed by a visit from Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on March 14. Southeast rivals Nashville SC come to town on April 11, and the following week the Crown will enter the U.S. Open Cup.
May is packed with action for fans, as Charlotte plays four consecutive home games, including a match against last year’s playoff foe, New York City FC, on May 13, before concluding the homestand against the New England Revolution ahead of MLS’s two-month break for the World Cup.
Following the World Cup, Charlotte returns to action with a home match against I-85 rivals Atlanta United on July 22, and the MLS All-Star Game takes place in the Queen City the following week on July 29. Charlotte will also participate in the Leagues Cup beginning in August, with the schedule to be released. The final home match of the season will be against Orlando City SC on Halloween, with the regular-season finale taking place on the road against Inter Miami CF on November 7.
Fans can get an early look at the team as they play their final preseason game at the Coachella Valley Invitational against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, February 14, at 1:00 p.m. EST, with the match being streamed on YouTube.
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