St. Louis CITY SC opened their 2026 MLS season with a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC at Energizer Park on February 21, 2026. Marcel Hartel scored the first goal of the season for CITY SC in the 60th minute, finishing a well-placed pass from Simon Becher. Charlotte responded in the 73rd minute with a goal from Pep Biel, assisted by Wilfried Zaha, leveling the match. Despite controlling much of the game, with a 22-9 shot advantage and an 11-3 shots on goal edge, St. Louis was unable to secure a win, with goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina making 10 saves to preserve the draw. The match marked the first competitive game of the season and the first for new head coach Yoann Damet. St. Louis remains unbeaten in their four MLS season-opening matches. The game was part of a larger event featuring fan activities, music, and celebrations, including the debut of the Tina Turner Kit and Black History Month festivities. Last season, St. Louis finished fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 19-13-2 record, and Charlotte finished with strong away and home records, with key players Wilfried Zaha, Idan Toklomati, and Pep Biel contributing significantly. The season opener also saw other MLS matches, with teams like Nashville SC, FC Cincinnati, LAFC, and San Diego FC starting strong with wins.