Canadian soccer fans finally got their wish: Laval, Quebec, will join the Canadian Premier League in 2026. The league confirmed the news on Wednesday morning after months of speculation.
“Moving into Quebec represents more than adding a new CPL market; it’s a strategic cornerstone of our coast-to-coast vision for Canadian professional soccer,” said James Johnson, Group CEO of Canadian Soccer Business.
The new club will play at Stade Boréale, also home to the Montreal Roses of the Northern Super League, under a lease agreement with Roses FC. The team’s branding will be unveiled later today.
A group with strong local ties and diverse business experience backs the CPL’s first Quebec-based club:
Matt Rizzetta – Founder of Underdog Global Partners and North Sixth Group. Entrepreneur and investor in sports, media, and entertainment. He’s Chairman of the new club, sits on the CPL Board of Governors, and is also involved with Campobasso FC, Donna Roma (women’s soccer), Brooklyn FC, and Napoli Basketball.
Angelo Pasto – President of Stanford Properties Group, a Quebec-based real estate firm. Also a co-owner of Campobasso FC, Donna Roma, Brooklyn FC, and Napoli Basketball. He teaches finance and project management in Montreal.
Stéphane Tétrault – Entrepreneur and founder of Imports Dragon. Owner of EB Games Canada and co-owner of Mastermind Toys and McFarlane Toys. Partnered with major brands like the NHL, NFL, MLB, Disney, and Warner Bros. Also a major donor to children’s charities across Canada.
Jean-François Chenail – CEO and co-founder of Chenail Import Export, a food distribution company with 250+ employees. Also active in real estate and owns Via Trans International. A lifelong soccer supporter whose daughter plays NCAA Division I.
Rocco Placentino – Former Canadian international and Montreal Impact player. Co-founder and President of the new Quebec CPL club. Played in Italy and Canada, earned a senior Canada cap, and later developed CS Saint-Laurent into one of Quebec’s top youth programs. He will lead the club’s mission to showcase Quebec talent.
What this means for the Canadian Premier League and Canadian soccer
Canada’s top flight will finally plant roots in La Belle Province, with Laval joining the CPL in 2026. The addition brings the league to nine clubs next season, returning to an odd-numbered setup for the first time since 2019—unless another surprise expansion is announced before April.
The Canadian Championship will feature 16 teams, and logic suggests all should start from the same round, without byes for defending champions.
For Atlético Ottawa fans, Laval will be a short away day–under two hours–promising packed traveling support. And while it’s not Montreal, Laval’s proximity to the city—just a 10-minute drive—sets the stage for a potential new derby with CF Montréal of MLS.
