For the first time in 2026, Canadian Premier League clubs were in action this past week as Forge FC and Vancouver FC kicked off the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Forge kept an impressive home draw with Tigres in the first leg of their round one matchup, while Vancouver fought valiantly against the defending Concacaf champions, Cruz Azul, but ultimately fell 3-0 in front of a sold out crowd at Willoughby Stadium.
Now, less than two months away from the rest of the CPL kicking off, it feels like season eight is closer than ever. But there was plenty of off-field news on the signing front this past week as well.
Here are the biggest stories from around the CPL over the last seven days:
CPL announces season eight schedule
The 2026 Canadian Premier League season will kick off in Hamilton on April 4, as regular season winners Forge FC host CPL champs Atlético Ottawa as part of a three-match opening weekend.
The league unveiled its full regular season schedule this week, It includes a break for the World Cup between June 11-26.
The CPL's newest club, FC Supra du Québec, make their debut on April 11 at Starlight Stadium against Pacific FC.
The regular season culminates with The Outcome on Oct. 25, with all eight teams kick off at the same time.
The 2026 CPL Final will be played on the weekend of Nov. 21-22.
Atlético Ottawa strengthen squad for Concacaf run with addition of Mexican trio
With Champions Cup action fast approaching, Atleti's San Luis connection continues to flourish as the capital club announced a pair of loan deals with their Liga MX partners on Wednesday.
Attacking midfielder Jonantán Villal, 20, arrives in Ottawa after 16 appearances for the Atlético San Luis first team, following time spent in both the Atlético Ottawa and Atlanta United academies.
Emiliano Garcia, meanwhile, is a 22-year-old attacker, who also spent time on loan with Villarreal's U-19s in Spain.
Given what CPL Final MVP David Rodríguez did in his time in the Canadian Premier League on loan from San Luis, there will be plenty of excitement and expectation around the potential of this duo.
On Friday, Atleti then confirmed the addition of 27-year-old Mexican midfielder Daniel Aguilar. He most recently played for Caracas in the Venezualan top flight, with four goals and two assists for the club in 34 matches in 2025. He also has six seasons of Liga MX experience between Atlas and Puebla — making 64 appearances in Mexico's top league.
Atlético Ottawa kick off their 2026 Champions Cup campaign at Hamilton Stadium on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Cavalry FC's off-season of change continues with Paton signing, three more departures
The 2025 CPL Final runners-up continue to reshape their roster for 2026. The club announced the signing this week of 27-year-old midfielder Harry Paton.
Paton spent the latter part of last season with the club's rivals Forge FC. His brother Ben still plays with the Hamilton side, creating a fun sibling rivalry in the CPL this season. Paton previously spent his career in Scotland, including in the Premiership with Ross County and Motherwell.
Cavalry also said goodbye to three more players from their 2024 CPL championship-winning side: Fraser Aird, Callum Montgomery and Nicolas Wähling.
Aird, in particular, will be a big miss for the club having played over 100 matches with Cavalry in all competitions since joining in 2022.
Vancouver FC sign Nadeau, promote academy trio
Ahead of their Concacaf Champions Cup debut, the Eagles shored up their squad by signing four youngsters.
Nicolas Nadeau, an 18-year-old defender, was added on CPL-U SPORTS contract after being selected 10th overall in the 2026 draft.
The club also announced Short-Term Replacement Contracts for academy trio Jakob Frank, Tyler Marsden and Lucas Friend.
Inter Toronto add goalkeeper Campos
Inter Toronto made a splash signing this week, putting pen to paper with 19-year-old goalkeeper Antonio Campos on his first pro contract.
A native of Red Deer, Alta., Campos recently spent time training with Inter Toronto, as well as with Cal State Fullerton in NCAA.
Campos is the son of Mexican national team legend Jorge Campos, who made 129 appearances for El Tri.
Pacific announce departure of all-time appearance leader Sean Young
The Tridents said goodbye to a club legend this week, announcing the transfer of Sean Young to USL Championship club Loudoun United FC.
Young, 24, departs the club as its all-time appearance leader. with 157 Pacific FC matches played across all competitions. He won a CPL championship with the club in 2021.
