Last weekend, Cavalry FC became the first team to clinch a spot in the 2026 Canadian Premier League Playoffs.
Now, in Matchweek 22, Forge FC will be looking to join them with a guaranteed place in the top four.
Here's how the league table looks heading into the weekend:
| Pos. | Team | GP | W | D | L | Pts. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | x - Cavalry FC | 21 | 15 | 4 | 2 | 49 |
| 2 | Forge FC | 21 | 14 | 3 | 4 | 45 |
| 3 | Atlético Ottawa | 22 | 10 | 4 | 8 | 34 |
| 4 | Vancouver FC | 22 | 9 | 3 | 10 | 30 |
| 5 | Halifax Wanderers | 22 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 23 |
| 6 | Inter Toronto | 20 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 23 |
| 7 | FC Supra du Québec | 21 | 6 | 4 | 11 | 22 |
| 8 | Pacific FC | 21 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 10 |
Here's what Forge and Pacific will be looking for this weekend.
Forge FC
Saturday, Sept. 19 @ Cavalry FC (5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT)
Forge didn't quite lock in their spot last weekend, but they're very close. They have a massive away game against Cavalry FC this weekend, which could make or break their CPL Shield campaign — so clinching a playoff spot might not be top of mind.
Still, with 45 points, they're nearly beyond Inter Toronto's reach.
Simply put, if Forge win or Inter Toronto drop points, then their place will be secured. Here are the exact scenarios which would see Forge clinch an eighth consecutive postseason berth:
- Forge beat Cavalry FC
- Forge draw or lose vs. Cavalry AND Inter Toronto draw or lose vs. Halifax Wanderers FC
Pacific FC
Saturday, Sept. 19 vs. Vancouver FC (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)
The runway is shrinking for Pacific, but they did manage to stave off elimination last week. The scenarios are simple for them in Matchweek 22, since they're playing against the team they're chasing.
It'll all come down to derby day against Vancouver. If Pacific win, they stay alive. Otherwise, the Tridents cannot make the playoffs. Pacific FC will be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention if:
- Pacific lose or draw vs. Vancouver FC
