The 2026 MLS All-Star Week will descend on Charlotte, North Carolina, bringing together the league’s brightest prospects and established stars for a series of exhibitions, competitions and fan experiences.
Academy Alumni Ready to Shine
Connor Dale and Dom Lester, both products of the FC Cincinnati Academy, have earned spots in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game scheduled for July 27. The showcase will feature 44 of the most promising young players from across North America, giving the duo a national platform to demonstrate their abilities.
Veteran midfielder Evander will add to the Cincinnati presence by competing in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on July 28 and headlining the MLS All-Star Game on July 29. This marks his third straight year selected for the All-Star roster, and he enters the event as the reigning champion of the All-Star Shooting Challenge, a record he set last season.
The festivities will culminate with a matchup against Liga MX talent on July 29, pitting MLS’s best against its Mexican counterparts at Bank of America Stadium. The event will be broadcast globally on Apple TV, with additional coverage supported by partners such as Allstate, AT&T and Chime.
Charlotte’s soccer culture, already enriched by its proximity to Matthews and a vibrant local fan base, is poised to welcome the influx of players, coaches and media personnel. The city’s infrastructure, from the stadium to the surrounding neighborhoods, is prepared to handle the surge of visitors.