Twenty-seven games played, one to go, and there's so much still unsettled.
By 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, though, we'll have all the answers.
Heading into the final matchweek of the Canadian Premier League's 2026 regular season, the CPL Shield and the fourth spot in the playoffs remain up for grabs.
The Shield, awarded to the first-place side in the regular season, might go to current leaders Cavalry FC, but they're tied on points with Forge FC who could still get their noses in front and win the title for a third straight year.
Meanwhile, the fourth and final postseason berth, currently occupied by Vancouver FC, could still go to FC Supra du Québec, who sit two points back in fifth.
All eight CPL clubs will be playing at the same time this Sunday, Oct. 25, with every game across the country kicking off at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
Here's a look at the league table heading into the final matchweek.
| Pos. | Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | x - Cavalry FC | 27 | 17 | 6 | 4 | +34 | 57 |
| 2 | x - Forge FC | 27 | 17 | 6 | 4 | +27 | 57 |
| 3 | x - Atlético Ottawa | 27 | 13 | 4 | 9 | -2 | 43 |
| 4 | Vancouver FC | 27 | 10 | 7 | 10 | +3 | 37 |
| 5 | FC Supra du Québec | 27 | 10 | 5 | 12 | -4 | 35 |
| 6 | e - Halifax Wanderers FC | 27 | 7 | 7 | 13 | -5 | 28 |
| 7 | e - Inter Toronto | 27 | 6 | 9 | 12 | -24 | 27 |
| 8 | e - Pacific FC | 27 | 2 | 8 | 17 | -29 | 14 |
A couple reminders: This year's CPL Playoffs will feature the top four teams in two-legged semifinal ties. The first place team will play fourth, and second will play third; Leg 1, next weekend, would be hosted by the lower-seeded teams, followed by reverse fixtures hosted by the higher seeds.
The away goals rule is not in effect in this year's playoffs.
As always, the first tiebreaker for teams tied on points is total wins, followed by head-to-head record (including head-to-head goal difference). The third tiebreaker — which has extra relevance right now, since Cavalry and Forge are even on everything else — is overall goal difference.
Here's what needs to happen for each of the four teams that need a result this weekend.
CPL Shield Race: Cavalry FC or Forge FC
Relevant Matches:
- Cavalry FC vs. Vancouver FC, ATCO Field, Calgary
- Pacific FC vs. Forge FC, Royal Athletic Park, Victoria
It's simple... kind of.
Cavalry would almost certainly win the Shield if they beat Vancouver at home on Sunday. We say almost because, technically, it's possible that Forge could catch up to their goal difference, but it would require a seven-goal swing — for example, Forge beating Pacific by nine goals if Cavalry win by one.
The clearer path to the Shield for Forge is if Cavalry don't win.
If the Cavs can only get a draw with Vancouver, Forge take first place with a win at Pacific. If Cavalry lose to the Eagles, then Forge just need a draw.
Conversely, Cavalry would win the Shield if they draw with Vancouver and Forge draw or lose. If Vancouver beat the Cavs at ATCO Field, then Tommy Wheeldon Jr. and co. will be praying that Pacific managed to do the same against Forge.
Don't forget, winning the CPL Shield doesn't just give you a piece of silverware. The top side is also guaranteed hosting rights for the CPL Final, if they get there.
Plus, the CPL's regular season winner is also awarded a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Forge already have one after winning the TELUS Canadian Championship on Wednesday, but the Cavs are very keen to return to the continental stage.
Battle for 4th: Vancouver FC or FC Supra du Québec
Relevant Matches:
- Cavalry FC vs. Vancouver FC, ATCO Field, Calgary
- Halifax Wanderers vs. FC Supra du Québec, Wanderers Grounds, Halifax
Either way, somebody is making the CPL Playoffs for the first time in club history.
Vancouver FC, who have been in the top four since early in the summer, still have pole position in this race. They're two points ahead of FC Supra, so a win in Calgary would guarantee them a postseason berth.
The tricky part is that winning in Calgary, against a Cavs side going all-out to win a title, is much easier said than done.
For FC Supra, the task is simple: Only a win is good enough, and even that might not be.
If they beat the Wanderers in Halifax, and Vancouver drop any points at all, FC Supra will make the playoffs in their first season.
The good news for Kyt Selaidopoulos and co. is that they win and Vancouver get a draw — which puts the two sides tied on 38 points — then Supra would finish in fourth, because they'd have one more win.
No matter what, Supra need some help from Cavalry, but they'll feel relatively confident knowing that a win in Halifax does give them a good shot.
Either way, it'll all be decided on Sunday.
