After advancing to the knockout stage of the 2026 Leagues Cup, the Crew return to MLS play with a road matchup against Charlotte FC on Aug. 15.
Because FC Dallas lost 3-1 to Toluca on Aug. 12, the Crew clinched one of the top four MLS spots for the 2026 Leagues Cup. That means Columbus moves on to the knockout stage for the first time in two years. The Crew won their first two games in regulation against Atlas FC and FC Pachuca, worth three points each, then bested Pumas UNAM in a penalty kick shootout on Aug. 11 to gain two more points.
On an unbeaten streak of five games, the Crew will head South and face Charlotte FC, which is currently seventh in the Eastern Conference standings.
Along with qualifying for the next round of Leagues Cup, the Crew also acquired former MLS Most Valuable Josef Martinez on a contract through the 2026 season, with an option to extend through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season. At age 33, Martinez's 130 regular-season MLS goals are the sixth-most in league history.
Martinez has spent the last week training at the Crew's facilities, but the team has yet to share when he will make his first appearance for the club.
When do the Columbus Crew play Charlotte FC?
The Crew face Charlotte at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at Bank of America Stadium.
Where to watch Columbus Crew vs. Charlotte FC, TV, Streaming
Date: Aug. 15
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Streaming: Apple TV
You can watch the Crew take on Charlotte with an Apple TV subscription, which starts at $12.99 per month.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Where to watch Columbus Crew vs. Charlotte FC, TV, streaming