Columbus Crew vs. Charlotte FC

Columbus Crew, a three-time MLS Cup champion (2008, 2020, 2023), hosts Charlotte FC, the Carolinas' MLS expansion club that joined the league in 2022. The two sides have met regularly in Eastern Conference play since Charlotte's debut, with a closely fought head-to-head record that has swung both ways -- Columbus took a 4-2 win in one 2025 meeting before Charlotte answered with a 3-2 result of their own later that season. Both clubs have generally competed near the top of the Eastern Conference table in recent seasons, giving the fixture real standings implications alongside the on-field quality. The match takes place at Columbus's ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on October 14, 2026.