On the opening day of the 2026 Canadian Premier League season, a beloved coach returns to the province where he became a hero.
Halifax Wanderers' new manager, Vanni Sartini, leads his club into Willoughby Stadium on Saturday, April 4 to take on Vancouver FC in their 2026 home opener.
Sartini, who was the head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps between 2021 and 2024, won three TELUS Canadian Championships with the MLS club.
Now, he begins a new challenge, looking to deliver the Wanderers their first-ever silverware. He brings with him an exciting new squad, headlined by CPL legend Marco Carducci.
Vancouver FC are coming off a season where they had some TELUS Canadian Championship magic of their own, reaching the 2025 final.
With four wins from six against the Wanderers at Willoughby, they have more home wins against Halifax than any other CPL club.
Can the Wanderers win in Vanni's debut? Or will Vancouver FC continue to dominate their East Coast rival at home?
Tickets to opening day at Willoughby Stadium are available here.
