CF Montréal have a chance to turn a difficult 2026 season into a trophy-winning campaign.
The Bleu-blanc-noir host Canadian Premier League side Forge FC in Wednesday’s TELUS Canadian Championship final at Stade Saputo (7 pm ET | TSN, OneSoccer; FS2), looking to capture their first domestic cup title in five years.
A victory would secure Montréal’s sixth Canadian Championship crown and an automatic berth in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, offering a direct route back to continental competition despite their struggles in MLS play this season.
Here's everything you need to know as Montréal prepare to compete for the Voyageurs Cup.
Montréal have navigated three rounds to reach Wednesday’s championship match:
- Preliminary Round: 5-0 win vs. Calgary Blizzard SC
- Quarterfinals: 4-2 aggregate win vs. Vancouver FC
- Semifinals: 3-2 aggregate win vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
The biggest result came in the semifinals, when Montréal knocked off four-time defending champions Vancouver Whitecaps FC. After earning a 1-1 draw at BC Place in Leg 1, Prince Owusu struck twice in the return leg at Stade Saputo to secure a 2-1 victory and send Montréal through to the final.
Now, Montréal have a chance to reverse their recent fortunes against Forge FC, who eliminated the MLS side in each of the previous two editions of the tournament.
Beyond a sixth Canadian Championship title, victory would also guarantee a place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, marking their first appearance in the competition since 2022.
Montréal have several standout performers and experienced veterans who could play pivotal roles in Wednesday's final.
- Prince Owusu: The underrated No. 9 has been Montréal’s most productive attacker this season, leading the club with 15g/5a in MLS play. Owusu has also delivered in the Canadian Championship, scoring both goals in Montréal’s 2-1 semifinal Leg 2 victory over Vancouver. The Ghanaian international missed Montréal’s last two MLS matches with a lower-body injury, leaving his availability for Wednesday's final uncertain.
- Alexis Sánchez: The Chilean international legend arrived in August as a Designated Player, bringing extensive experience from a decorated European career that included stops at Arsenal, Manchester United and Inter Milan. Sánchez's arrival added star power and a veteran presence to Montréal’s attack.
- Samuel Piette: Montréal’s longtime captain and midfield anchor has been a fixture for the club for nearly a decade. The Canadian international was part of the club’s last CanChamp-winning side in 2021 and brings valuable experience and leadership.
Montréal are five-time Canadian Championship winners, most recently lifting the Voyageurs Cup in 2021 under then-head coach Wilfried Nancy. That triumph came via a 1-0 victory over Canadian Classique rivals Toronto FC at Stade Saputo, with Romell Quioto scoring the decisive goal in the 72nd minute.
Montréal have not won the competition since, with Vancouver Whitecaps FC claiming the last four editions. Their most recent final appearance came in 2023, when they fell 2-1 to Vancouver.
Winning Wednesday’s final would also send Montréal back to the continental stage for the first time since 2022, when they eliminated Liga MX side Santos Laguna 3-1 on aggregate in the CCC Round of 16 before falling 2-1 on aggregate to Cruz Azul in the quarterfinals.
Montréal's continental history also includes a memorable run to the 2015 Concacaf Champions Cup final, where they finished runners-up to Club América.
