Charcoal rot, caused by the necrotrophic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina, is a significant disease impacting global soybean (Glycine max) production. This pathogen thrives in high-temperature and drought-prone areas, where environmental stress weakens the plant's defenses, making it highly susceptible to infection. The disease leads to severe reductions in crop yields and compromises both oil and protein content in seeds, diminishing their nutritional and economic value. M. phaseolina invades soybean plants through roots, moving upward through vascular tissues and blocking the flow of nutrients. The fungus's ability to form microsclerotia long-lasting survival structures-allows it to persist in soil for years, posing major challenges for farmers. This study explores the pathogen’s life cycle, infection mechanisms, and environmental influences on disease severity. Additionally, it discusses integrated disease management strategies, including crop rotation, chemical treatments, biological agents, and the development of resistant soybean varieties. Advances in genetic engineering, particularly CRISPR-Cas9 technology, offer new hope for developing cultivars with enhanced resistance to charcoal rot.