One of the Canadian Premier League's fiercest rivalries is about to enter a new chapter.
On June 7 (2 p.m. ET), Inter Toronto host 905 Derby rivals Forge FC at York Lions Stadium with a fresh identity and a few notable new faces.
In a signing sure to add spice to this heated fixture, Inter Toronto added former Forge midfielder Béni Badibanga this off-season. A player with a sense for the spotlight, Badibanga thrives on stages like this first match against his former side.
Forge, of course, made a pretty big swing last off-season when they brought in 2024 Players' Player of the Year Brian Wright, and Mo Babouli, both of whom had played for Inter Toronto (then York United FC) that year. With familiar faces on both sides now, there's no shortage of storylines, nor love lost.
For Inter Toronto, this is about making a statement. It has been 11 matches since they defeated their Ontario rivals — and they have not done so at home since 2022. With a new cast of stars, including Badibanga, Ollie Bassett and Mexican international Raúl López, they look to usher in a new era for the rivalry.
Forge, meanwhile, would love to keep things status quo and continue their dominant 905 Derby record. As the defending CPL Shield winners, they know they have a target on their back, and nobody is gunning for it more than the team just up the road.
The first of four meetings during the CPL regular season in 2026 will set the tone for what will be among the league's most intriguing fixtures in season eight.
