By Cameron Lee
December 2, 2025
Charlotte will take center stage in the buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the United States Soccer Federation announced today that Bank of America Stadium will host a U.S. Men’s National Team friendly on Sunday, May 31, as part of the Allstate Continental Clásico series. Scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and airing on TNT, HBO Max, Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock, the match will mark the USMNT’s first appearance following the official announcement of the 2026 World Cup roster. The opponent will be revealed shortly after the World Cup draw on December 5.
The May 31 friendly is one of two major soccer events coming to Bank of America Stadium next year, alongside the 2026 MLS All-Star Game on July 29.
This will be just the second time the USMNT has played in Charlotte. Their previous visit came during the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, when Jesus Ferreira recorded a first-half hat trick to lead the U.S. to a 6-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in front of 40,243 fans. North Carolina has hosted eight USMNT matches historically, including games in High Point and Cary. Charlotte has also welcomed the U.S. Women’s National Team, most notably in 2019 when the USWNT defeated South Korea.
Tim Ream, Charlotte FC defender and longtime USMNT veteran, has earned 79 caps since his national team debut in 2011 and has captained the squad 25 times, ranking eighth on the program’s all-time list.
In the past four World Cups, the team reached the Round of 16 three times (2010, 2014, and 2022) and failed to qualify in 2018. The upcoming friendly in Charlotte will give fans a first look at the roster that will represent the United States in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As part of the USMNT’s preparation schedule, Atlanta will host a pair of matches, beginning with USA vs. Belgium on March 28 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, followed three days later by USA vs. Portugal. The May 31 match in Charlotte will serve as the team’s penultimate tune-up match before they face Germany on June 6 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the first tournament ever hosted by three nations, kicking off on June 11. Presales for the USMNT match in Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium begin December 3 at 10 a.m., with tickets available to the general public on December 5 at 10 a.m.
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