By Yomi Kuku, Toronto Canada
The Canadian Premier League (CPL) has officially released its 2026 regular season schedule, positioning the league to capitalize on a landmark year for soccer in Canada and drive lasting growth for the domestic game.
Presented by WestJet, the 112-game slate runs from April through October, followed by the CPL Playoffs and culminating in the CPL Final on the weekend of November 21-22.
With international attention focused on Canada in 2026, including the country’s role as a FIFA World Cup host, the CPL has intentionally structured its season to create a coast-to-coast tapestry of marquee moments designed to engage fans at every level and build momentum for the league’s future.
Key Elements of the 2026 CPL Season
Season Opener: The campaign kicks off on April 4, with reigning Regular Season winners Forge FC hosting Atlético Ottawa setting the tone for a competitive year.
Expanded National Footprint: FC Supra du Québec will host its inaugural home match on April 19, marking the CPL’s first professional game in Quebec and expanding the league’s reach into new markets.
World Cup Integration: Special celebration matches are scheduled in June as the global football spotlight lands on Canada ahead of the World Cup. CPL regular-season play pauses to allow fans and communities to rally around the sport nationwide.
Canada Day Doubleheader: On July 1, CPL clubs will celebrate Canada Day with a two-match showcase, the first Canada Day doubleheader since 2021.
Final Push: The regular season “The Outcome on October 25 will set the stage for the playoff chase and the run toward the North Star Cup.
League leadership says the schedule is more than just a calendar, it’s a strategic blueprint to harness a pivotal moment for the sport and convert heightened interest into sustained development, community engagement, and national reach.
Fans and supporters can access the full 2026 CPL schedule at schedule.cplsoccer.com as teams prepare for what promises to be one of the most memorable seasons in Canadian soccer history.
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