The Canadian Premier League's opener for the 2026 season has had an update.

The kickoff time for the clash between the reigning CPL Shield winners Forge FC and the reigning league champions Atlético Ottawa on Saturday, April 4, has been moved to 12:00 pm ET from 4:00 pm ET.

According to a press release from the Hammers, the change was made due to 'broadcast commitments' set to be announced ahead of the upcoming Canadian Premier League season.

In addition to OneSoccer, FuboTV, and Telus, the match is also set to air on CBC, as per their schedule. CBC has previously shown multiple CPL games in previous years.

The league has yet to confirm whether TSN, which broadcast multiple matches last season, including the final between Ottawa and Cavalry, will continue to show games on their platform.

At the inauguration of FC Supra in September 2025, James Johnson, CEO of Canadian Soccer Media and Entertainment (formerly CSB), confirmed in a speech that all league matches and national team games within their rights portfolio will air on linear television.

📌 Related

CSB CEO James Johnson: All CPL games on linear TV starting in 2026

Moving onto the pitch: On the same day, Vancouver FC will host Halifax Wanderers at 4:00 pm ET / 8:00 pm AT, seven hours after Forge vs. Ottawa kicks off. The Wanderers will be led by new head coach Vanni Sartini, who will mark his return to British Columbia after his spell with the Vancouver Whitecaps that ended at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

The league's opening weekend will continue out west the following day, with Pacific taking on Cavalry at Starlight Stadium (3:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm MT).

Expansion side FC Supra du Québec and newly rebranded Inter Toronto, formerly York United, will have to wait an extra week for their respective season openers, though the two sides will not be facing each other on that day.

Supra, based in Laval but set to play some matches in Montreal, will travel to face Pacific on Saturday, April 11, at 3:00 pm PT / 6:00 pm ET in their first-ever competitive match. Inter Toronto, meanwhile, will host the Halifax Wanderers on the same day at 3:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm AT.