The 2026 Canadian Premier League season is now just five weeks away.
As part of the schedule release earlier this month, presented by WestJet, the league unveiled each team's home openers -- the day when soccer fans across the country get to return to their respective stomping grounds.
One thing is clear, the CPL's opening month packs a punch. From a Final rematch, to a historic day in Montréal, the league's 2026 home openers include plenty of key dates for fans of the league, and of course those of each club, to circle on the calendar.
Here is how all eight CPL clubs kick off their respective home schedules this year:
Saturday, April 4 - Forge FC vs. Atlético Ottawa (Hamilton Stadium)
The 2026 Canadian Premier League season kicks off in Hamilton, where the defending CPL Champions Atlético Ottawa pay a visit to CPL Shield winners Forge FC.
Despite plenty of notable changes to both sides, the ambition remains the same entering this season -- win trophies.
None will be lifted on the opening day of the campaign, but it is a chance for the league's two best clubs last season to once again set the pace for what can be expected in season eight.
Saturday, April 4 - Vancouver FC vs. Halifax Wanderers (Willoughby Stadium)
Later on opening day, it's a special return for Halifax Wanderers' head coach Vanni Sartini to B.C., where he became a fan-favourite during his time with the Vancouver Whitecaps, winning three TELUS Canadian Championships.
The Eagles, meanwhile, are coming off their first foray in continental football -- and will be looking to build on the lessons they learned from facing one of North America's top teams, Cruz Azul, as well as the incredible atmosphere at a sold-out home leg.
This time, however, they are desperate to be on the winning end. Vancouver struggled at home last year, and Halifax struggled on the road. Something has to give.
Sunday, April 5 - Pacific FC vs. Cavalry FC (Starlight Stadium)
The Canadian Premier League's opening weekend concludes on the Island, where Western rivals Pacific FC and Cavalry FC battle at Starlight Stadium.
The Tridents have just one win in their last 13 matches against the Calgary club. After missing the playoffs last year for the first time since the inaugural season, an opening weekend win over a 2025 CPL finalist would provide a huge boost.
Pacific are perfect in home openers in their history, while Cavalry have stunningly still never won a match in April.
Saturday, April 11 - Inter Toronto vs. Halifax Wanderers (York Lions Stadium)
Inter Toronto will debut their new name and colours at home on April 11 in a rematch of one of the wildest matches in CPL playoff history.
In last year's playoff opener, the Wanderers and Inter Toronto traded goals, and fought through lightning delays, in Halifax. After both teams scored in both regulation and extra time, the match was decided from the penalty spot -- where Inter Toronto prevailed.
Now, two clubs looking to take another step into the league's upper echelon face off for the first time in 2026.
Sunday, April 12 - Cavalry FC vs. Atlético Ottawa (ATCO Field)
The second weekend of the CPL season brings a rematch of the 2025 CPL Final, this time in Calgary.
Adding extra fuel, this will be the first time that former Atleti duo Nathan Ingham and Amer Didić face off against the capital club.
For Atlético Ottawa, it is the second of three straight home openers in the league's first three weekends in which they are the away team.
Atleti would certainly love to spoil the party in Calgary as they have done many times in the past.
Saturday, April 18 - Halifax Wanderers vs. Pacific (Wanderers Grounds)
The long-awaited return to soccer at the Wanderers Grounds comes on April 18, in a coastal clash between the Halifax Wanderers and Pacific FC.
With a new man at the helm, in Vanni Sartini, and a revamped squad headlined by the signings of two-time CPL Golden Glove winner Marco Carducci, and Canadian international Marcus Godinho, there will be a lot of excitement to welcome back the Wanderers in Halifax.
Saturday, April 19 - FC Supra du Québec vs. Atlético Ottawa (CEPSUM Stadium)
April 19, 2026 will be a day for the history books as FC Supra du Québec host CPL champions Atlético Ottawa in their inaugural home match.
CEPSUM Stadium in Montréal hosts the occasion, on a day that will be a celebration for the sport in Québec. Make no mistake, though, once the whistle blows, Supra will be locked in their main mission -- securing a historic first home win.
Atleti, meanwhile, will look to claim the first edition of what is sure to be a heated rivalry with their new neighbours.
Sunday, April 26 - Atlético Ottawa vs. Vancouver FC (TD Place)
For the first time since the epic snow final on November 9, Atlético Ottawa are back home at the end of April, hosting Vancouver FC at TD Place.
The champs turned their home turf into a fortress last year, becoming the first team in league history to go unbeaten at home in a calendar year.
Vancouver, though, will provide a tough test. They know how to get results in the nation's capital and proved that by bouncing Atleti from last year's Canadian Championship in the semi-final.