As signing season slows down across the Canadian Premier League, it's time to take stock of the additions across the league.
After yet another busy and exciting few months of off-season moves, each of the league's eight clubs added several players capable of changing their trajectory in 2026.
From players who could be at this summer's World Cup, to Canadian internationals returning home, to emerging talents, this year brings another intriguing cast of incoming players.
Here are eight newcomers to the CPL who could make a significant impact on the 2026 campaign:
GK - Dimitry Bertaud (Forge FC)
It is hard to make a better first impression than Bertaud did in the Forge FC net. He made seven saves, many of them spectacular, in 0-0 draw with Tigres at Hamilton Stadium in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup round one matchup.
For a club looking to replace 2025 CPL Golden Glove winner Jassem Koleilat, early signs are that they will once again have one of the top shot-stoppers in the league.
Bertaud joins Forge with an incredible pedigree, having spent his entire career with Montpellier in France's Ligue 1. He also has 15 caps for DR Congo, who are competing in the 2026 World Cup play-off in March.
FW - Nathaniel Edwards (Cavalry FC)
With Nathan Ingham and Amer Didić, Cavalry FC added plenty of CPL talent this off-season. But one of their most exciting recruits is 23-year-old Nathaniel Edwards, who joins from Toronto FC.
Edwards spent last year on loan with Toronto FC II in MLS Next Pro, scoring three goals and adding two assists in 25 appearances.
Capable of playing anywhere down either flank, he is at his best when driving at opposing backlines and creating opportunities through a direct approach.
MF - Taras Gomulka (Pacific FC)
The Islanders made a big splash in the middle of the park with the recruitment of 24-year-old former A-League champion Taras Gomulka.
With over 111 matches for clubs in the top Australian division, including Adelaide United, Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar and most recently Perth Glory, Gomulka is entering his prime years with plenty of experience already.
Great with and without the ball in the centre of midfield, Pacific believe Gomulka could be the team's tempo-setter in 2026.
MF - Emiliano García (Atlético Ottawa)
Several players made their debuts for Atlético Ottawa during the Concacaf Champions Cup, but none impressed more than 22-year-old Emiliano García.
Playing as a wing-back in Diego Mejía's aggressive attacking system, García created plenty of chances and looked lively throughout down the flank.
The Mexican youth international came through the Puebla system initially, where he made his Liga MX debut, before joining Atlético San Luis in 2025. He also spent time on loan in Spain with Villarreal's youth team.
DF - Marcus Godinho (Halifax Wanderers)
Reuniting with Vanni Sartini following their time together with the Whitecaps, the 27-year-old Canadian international was a key signing for the revamped Halifax Wanderers this off-season.
Spending most of his career apart from that stint with the Whitecaps in Europe, most recently in the Swedish top flight, Godinho brings quality and experience in his homecoming to Canada. A player who is already familiar with the way that Sartini likes to play, Godinho will become a key leader in Halifax this season.
But the talented full-back's biggest contributions may still come on the pitch. A defender with great attacking instincts, Godinho can play on either side — giving Sartini crucial versatility and another reliable player in his backline.
MF - Omar Elkalkouli (FC Supra du Québec)
There are a number of young Québec talents who could have a breakout season for FC Supra, but among the most exciting is the 19-year-old Elkalkouli.
A technically brilliant midfielder, Elkalkouli was outstanding in Ligue1 Québec for CS Mont-Royal Outremont this past season, scoring six times in 13 matches. This will be his first professional season, and he is the exact profile of local player that Supra are hoping can lead to sustained success.
Elkalkouli also spent last year playing in U SPORTS for the Montréal Carabins, for whom he had a team-leading four assists in 11 matches. He scored in the national bronze medal game, a 5-1 win over UQTR.
DF - Raúl López (Inter Toronto)
Few, if any, players in the CPL this season can boast a better resumé than 33-year-old defender Raúl López.
With seven caps for El Tri at the senior level, and over 300 Liga MX appearances between Chivas Guadalajara, Pachuca (where he won the Concacaf Champions Cup), Toluca and Santos Laguna, López has over a decade of experience in one of North America's top leagues.
Traditionally a right full-back, he can also play in midfield — which could be an option for an Inter Toronto team stacked on the right side of defence. What is undeniable is López's quality, and that he is one of the most exciting signings made by a CPL club over the past few months.
DF - Isak Ssewankambo (Vancouver FC)
Vancouver FC's most recent signing could also be their most impactful: the addition of 30-year-old central defender Isak Ssewankambo.
The Swedish youth international came through Chelsea's system before making his professional debut in the Dutch top flight. Also playing in England and then Norway, he has been a mainstay in the Allsvenskan since 2018.
Now, he looks to become a stabilizing force on the Eagles' backline, and help turn around a defence that allowed the third most goals in the league last season.
