Is Canadian Soccer in Trouble? How the CPL’s Champions Cup Path Became a Double-Edged Sword
The Canadian Premier League (CPL) initially benefited from competing in the CONCACAF League, allowing its clubs to gain international experience. However, after the tournament was replaced in 2024, CPL teams were granted direct entry into the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they have struggled, winning just one out of four matches.
When the Canadian Premier League (CPL) kicked off its first season in 2019, it was a bold step toward establishing a truly Canadian professional soccer league. A big boost came when CPL clubs were granted a spot in the CONCACAF League, allowing them to compete on an international level. Between 2019 and 2022, teams like Forge FC and Pacific FC gained valuable experience, playing 20 matches, winning 9, and drawing 6—a respectable showing for a young league.
The biggest highlight? Forge FC’s 2021 run to the CONCACAF League semifinals, narrowly missing out on the final after two draws against Honduras’ Motagua. That performance earned Forge a spot in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, where they faced a much tougher challenge and were eliminated in the Round of 16.
From Opportunity to Setback? The CPL’s Champions Cup Dilemma
As of 2024, things changed—on paper, for the better. With the CONCACAF League replaced by the Central American Cup, CPL clubs were granted direct entry into the CONCACAF Champions Cup (formerly the Champions League). The CPL now had two guaranteed spots instead of one. Sounds great, right?
Well, reality has been much harsher. Instead of gradually building up against mid-tier Central American clubs, CPL teams were thrown straight into the deep end. In 2024 and 2025, Forge FC and Cavalry FC played a total of four matches, winning just one and losing three. Both clubs crashed out in the first round, highlighting a harsh truth: CPL teams might not be ready for this level of competition yet.
If this pattern continues, it could be a major setback for Canadian club soccer. Without a stepping stone tournament like the old CONCACAF League, CPL teams are missing out on valuable international experience. This could slow their development, hurt the league’s credibility, and make it harder to attract investors.
A New Solution: The North American Challenge Cup
So, what’s the fix? The CPL needs to create its own international tournament to bridge the gap. That’s why we’re proposing the North American Challenge Cup—a new 16-team knockout tournament featuring:
- 8 Canadian teams (mainly from the CPL)
- 8 American teams, including top USL Championship clubs and MLS teams that missed the Leagues Cup
This competition would give Canadian clubs a chance to compete against opponents of a similar level, build their international experience, and even fight for silverware. In turn, this would boost the CPL’s reputation, improve the level of play, and help the league grow.
Want to learn more? Download the full proposal in PDF format [here].
