The top two clubs in Canadian Premier League's history are set to meet as Forge hosts Cavalry in a matchup that renews one of the league’s most storied rivalries.
The game will also mark the first time brothers Harry and Ben Paton face each other in CPL action, with both off to strong starts in 2026. Rain is expected in Hamilton on Saturday, though a potential high of 20 degrees should be a welcome change for Cavalry after playing in wind and snow last week.
Both teams have looked formidable to start the season, with Forge yet to concede a goal and Cavalry coming off a convincing home win over reigning champions Atlético Ottawa.
Forge enters with a 2-0-0 record, having dominated Atlético Ottawa in the opener before edging Vancouver FC on the road last weekend.
Cavalry also comes in unbeaten after wins over Pacific and Atlético Ottawa, but now faces its toughest test so far against the Hammers.
Availability
Dan Nimick and Nana Ampomah have missed Forge's opening matches, while Jay Herdman was absent for Cavalry last week after starting the opener. Neither club has provided any updates on their availability.
Forge captain Kyle Bekker recently announced he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, though it had been caught early, with surgery proving successful and treatment now complete as he enters recovery. He will not feature in Forge's clash with Cavalry, with head coach Bobby Smyrniotis saying that "while health always comes first, we look forward to seeing Kyle return to the pitch later this season".
Projected XIs
TrueNorthFoot projects Mo Babouli to replace Kevaughn Tavernier on the wing, leaving a spot in the midfield open to Noah Jensen and Hoce Massunda shifting to the right side.
Forge FC (4-3-3): Dimitry Bertaud; Ben Paton, Marko Jevremovic, Antoine Batisse, Rezart Rama; Noah Jensen, Anthony Aromatario, Tristan Borges; Mo Babouli, Brian Wright, Hoce Massunda
Cavalry FC (4-2-3-1): Nathan Ingham, Brad Kamdem, Amer Didic, Daan Klomp, Adam Pearlman; Eryk Kobza, Harry Paton; Goteh Ntignee, Sergio Camargo, Ali Musse; Tobias Warschewski
Game information and how to watch
📆 Saturday, April 18, 2026
⏰ 4:00 pm ET / 2:00 pm MT
📺 TSN, OneSoccer
🧑⚖️ Scott Bowman
🏟 Hamilton Stadium, Hamilton, Canada
