Charlotte FC welcome 2018 MLS Cup winners Atlanta to the Bank of America Stadium as the Major League Soccer returns to action for the season.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the match preview and prediction for the July 23 clash.
Charlotte vs Atlanta match preview
Charlotte enter this clash in sixth position as they continue their journey towards reaching the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. The Crown have been inconsistent throughout the campaign, recording six wins from their opening 15 matches. They have also drawn three times and suffered six defeats and they have the seventh best attack in the Eastern Conference with 24 goals.
Atlanta, meanwhile, have endured a disastrous start to the 2026 MLS season, which has seen them in 14th position. They have 11 points from their first 15 matches and are currently eight points off a playoff spot. The Five Stripes failed to reach the playoffs in 2025 after finishing bottom of the Eastern Conference and if they fail to make it once again this time, it will mark the first time since they became an expansion club in the MLS in 2017.
Battle of the South week ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/jDFYfkye1s
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) July 20, 2026
Best betting odds
Over 1.5 Goals – 1.17 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
This clash has a rich history of producing multiple goals and this particular clash should continue the trend especially as it promises to be an end to end contest.
Charlotte vs Atlanta Head-to-Head
(Last five meetings)
- 20.07.2025 – Atlanta 2-3 Charlotte
- 01.03.2025 – Charlotte 2-0 Atlanta
- 01.09.2024 – Charlotte 0-1 Atlanta
- 02.06.2024 – Atlanta 2-3 Charlotte
- 14.05.2023 – Atlanta 1-3 Charlotte
Charlotte have dominated this fixture in recent meetings, recording four wins while Atlanta have only won once. They were also 2-0 winners over Atlanta in their last meeting at the Bank of America Stadium.
Recent form: Charlotte
Charlotte have won their last two games in the league, defeating Toronto FC 3-1 and recording an impressive 1-0 win over New England Revolution in their final game before the break.
The Crown have only managed a single clean sheet in their last eight league outings and they are also unbeaten in three of their last four home games as well.
Recent form: Atlanta
Atlanta United have endured a tough season and are on a poor run of form, losing four of their last five MLS matches.
The Five Stripes have only managed a single clean sheet in all of their 15 games this season and they have only won twice away from home.
Player to watch
Emmanuel Latte Lath (Atlanta United)
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Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Latte Lath will be eyeing a strong display in goal for Atlanta when they face a tough test against Charlotte.
His runs in behind the defence and ability to link up play with his teammates will be very crucial to his side’s chances.
