Forge FC has secured its place in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
After a dominant 3-0 win over York United at home, the Hammers lifted the CPL Shield for a second straight year, earning one of the Canadian Premier League’s two berths in the continental competition.
It will be Forge’s fourth appearance in the tournament — the most of any CPL club. They made their debut in 2022 against Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul, falling 4-1 on aggregate. The Hamilton side also featured in the 2024 and 2025 editions, facing Chivas and Monterrey, respectively.
Forge will join fellow Canadian teams Vancouver Whitecaps and Vancouver FC, the latter qualifying despite finishing last in the CPL after reaching the Canadian Championship final.
What you need to know about next year's Champions Cup
The competition will be played in the same format as in the past few years: Forge and Vancouver FC will enter in Round One with 20 other teams (22 teams total), while 5 teams begin in the Round of 16.
All rounds, except the final, will be played in a two-legged series.
The draw will be held on Tuesday, December 9, at 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT.
What's next for Forge?
The Hammers will host Atlético Ottawa on Sunday, October 26, at 2:00 p.m. ET in the first semi-final of the 2025 Canadian Premier League playoffs.
The winner will qualify directly for the final and earn home-field advantage, while the loser will get another chance through the second semi-final stage, facing one of Cavalry, Halifax, or York for the remaining spot in the championship match.
