Forge FC makes history with first Canadian Championship title
Forge FC made Canadian soccer history by becoming the first Canadian Premier League team to win the Canadian Championship, defeating CF Montréal in a penalty shootout. This victory grants them the Voyageurs Cup and a spot in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, highlighting the progress of both the club and the league.
MONTREAL, QC - October 21, 2026: CF Montreal vs Forge FC at Stade Saputo. (Photo by Thiago Szwarc/OneSoccer)
Forge FC made Canadian soccer history on Wednesday night, becoming the first Canadian Premier League club to win the Canadian Championship after defeating CF Montréal in a penalty shootout at Stade Saputo.
The Hamilton club overcame its Major League Soccer opponent in a final that finished 1-1 after regulation time, securing its first Voyageurs Cup and a place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
For Forge FC, the victory represents another milestone in a successful period under head coach Bobby Smyrniotis. For the CPL, which began play in 2019, it marks the first time one of its clubs has claimed Canada’s national club championship.
Forge FC defeats CF Montréal in historic final
Forge faced a difficult challenge against Montréal but delivered when the opportunity arose, with goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud playing an important role in keeping the Hamilton side competitive.
Bertaud denied Prince Owusu from the penalty spot during the first half, preventing Montréal from taking the lead and giving Forge an opportunity to establish itself in the contest.
That moment became even more significant shortly before halftime, when Antoine Batisse connected with a corner kick and headed the ball into the net during stoppage time.
The goal put Forge ahead heading into the break and gave the visitors an advantage against their MLS opponents.
Montréal eventually found an equalizer, leaving the teams tied at 1-1 and sending the championship to a penalty shootout.
Forge prevailed from the spot to claim the Voyageurs Cup, completing a breakthrough achievement for a club that has consistently competed for trophies since the CPL’s inaugural season.
The result also marks a significant moment for the league itself. While CPL clubs have previously challenged MLS opposition in the Canadian Championship, Forge is the first to finish the competition as national champion.
Bobby Smyrniotis adds another milestone to Forge’s success
Forge’s victory continues a successful run under Smyrniotis, who has served as the club’s head coach since its inaugural campaign.
The Hamilton side entered the final with four CPL championships and a record of eight trophies, establishing itself as one of the country’s most successful professional soccer clubs.
Winning the Canadian Championship, however, represented a different challenge. The tournament brings together clubs from multiple levels of Canadian soccer, including MLS and the CPL, providing an opportunity to compete for the national title.
For Smyrniotis, defeating an established MLS opponent demonstrated the progress Forge has made since its formation.
“To reach this moment, competing against an established MLS club and winning a national championship, speaks to the work that has gone into building this team and the progress of our league,” Smyrniotis said.
Scott Mitchell, managing partner and CEO of Hamilton Sports Group and a CPL co-founder, also highlighted the significance of the achievement for professional soccer in Canada.
“From the day the CPL launched, we believed in the importance of building a strong domestic professional league that could compete at the highest levels,” Mitchell said.
The result comes during a notable year for Canadian soccer, following the country’s role as a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Forge’s championship provides another example of the opportunities available through Canada’s domestic professional structure, with a CPL club now holding the country’s national cup title.
Forge FC qualifies for 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup
Beyond lifting the Voyageurs Cup, Forge’s victory secures qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
The competition features leading clubs from North America, Central America and the Caribbean, giving the Hamilton side another opportunity to test itself against international opposition.
Forge has already established experience competing beyond the CPL, but the Canadian Championship title provides a new route into continental competition.
The club’s attention will now return to domestic league play, where another trophy remains within reach.
Forge will face Pacific FC on Sunday, October 25, with an opportunity to secure the CPL Shield, awarded to the team finishing first in the regular-season standings.
The Hamilton club will also host a CPL playoff match at Hamilton Stadium, although its opponent and the date have yet to be confirmed.
With the Voyageurs Cup secured, Forge FC has added a national championship to its record while becoming the first CPL team to achieve the feat. The club now turns its attention to the final stages of the league season with the possibility of adding more silverware before the year ends.
