The 2021 Canadian Premier League saw a new Champions emerge following a brilliant performance from Pacific FC to edge Forge FC to the title in the CPL Final.
The 2021 season was the league the third season. The Canadian Premier League consists of eight teams, from five of Canada’s ten provinces.
In the 2022 soccer season, the winner of the CPL Final would earn the to play in the CONCACAF League, North America’s second-tier competition.
However, from the 2024 season, the CPL would have two slots in the CONCACAF Champions League. With the focus on improving young talents across Canada, the league is gradually attracting attention across the continent
So which team compete in the Canadian Premier League and what are their nicknames?
We’ve dug deep to bring you every team in the CPL and their nicknames and what it holds in the club’s identity.
1. Atlético Ottawa
Nickname: Ottleti
Atlético Ottawa is a soccer club based in Ontario. The club plays its home games at the TD Place Stadium.
It was the eighth team to join the Canadian Premier League in 2020. The club is affiliated with the Spanish La Liga side of Atlético Madrid.
2. Cavalry
Nickname: Cavs, Calgary red
Cavalry Football Club is a soccer club based in Alberta. The club plays its home games at the ATCO Field.
3. FC Edmonton
Nickname: The Eddies
FC Edmonton is a soccer club based in Edmonton, Alberta. They play their home games at the Clarke Stadium.
The club previously competed in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 2011 to 2017.
4. Forge Football Club
Nickname: The Hammers
Forge FC is a soccer club based in Hamilton, Ontario. The club plays its home matches at Tim Hortons Field.
Forge FC is the most successful team in the Canadian Premier League, winning back-to-back league titles in 2019 and 2020.
5. HFX Wanderers
Nickname: N/A
HFX Wanderers Football Club or Halifax Wanderers is a soccer club in Halifax, Nova Scotia. HFX play their home games at the Wanderers Grounds.
6. Pacific FC
Nickname: N/A
Pacific Football Club is a soccer club based in Greater Victoria, British Columbia. They play their home matches at Starlight Stadium.
7. Valour
Nickname: N/A
Valour Football Club is a soccer club based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They play their home matches at the IG Field.
8. York United
Nickname: The Nine Stripes
York United Football Club is a soccer club based in Toronto, Ontario. They play their home games at York University’s York Lions Stadium.
Further expansion would mean in the increase teams in the CanPL. There are a plans in place for an expansion franchise from 2023.
