Charlotte FC’s Predicted Starting XI vs Inter Miami

By Brian Maurer

Photo courtesy of Eastern Visuals/TopBin90

Charlotte FC got its first win of the 2026 season last weekend against Austin FC. Head Coach Dean Smith will look to keep the momentum going against Eastern Conference juggernauts Inter Miami. The last time Lionel Messi and co. came to the Queen City, they were beaten 3-0 thanks to an Idan Toklomati hat-trick. Charlotte will be looking to earn another win in front of a raucous hometown crowd tonight.

Here is our predicted Charlotte FC starting XI for tonight's game:

Defensive unit

Kristijan Kahlina continues in goal, no changes there, although surely he is ready to start getting a couple of clean sheets under his belt, as he was due one against Austin FC, except for an own goal. There is no reason to think there will be any changes across the backline after last week's performance, with Harry Toffolo and Nathan Byrne showing improvement out wide and Morrison maintaining his newly won position alongside Tim Ream.

Tyler Miller will maintain his backup goalkeeper role, with Andrew Privett and David Schnegg as the most likely backup defender options.

Midfield line

Brandt Bronico covered ground well, especially on the left behind Toffolo, who pushed forward, so it should be expected that he gets another run from the start alongside Ashley Westwood in the double pivot against Inter Miami. Pep Biel will continue playing in his free-roaming 10 role, where he has already found the net three times through three games.

Djibril Diani will be the main midfield option off the bench as Luca de la Torre has been ruled out based on the MLS Status Report. Smith had told media de la Torre was in concussion protocol on Thursday. Baye Coulibaly is another option off the bench, but he has not featured on a matchday roster in 2026. Aron John just made his debut and could get called up again on a short-term loan if needed.

Forward line

Wilfried Zaha will continue on the left with Idan Toklomati up top. Liel Abada connected well with Biel last weekend and will likely get another shot over Kerwin Vargas this weekend.

Vargas, Archie Goodwin, and Tyger Smalls appear to be Smith's preferred attackers off the bench at the moment.

Predicted Starting XI