Quebec Joins the CPL Ranks: Professional Soccer Kicks Off in Laval in 2026!

A monumental shift is coming to the Canadian soccer landscape! The Canadian Premier League (CPL) has officially announced its expansion into Quebec, with a brand-new team set to ignite the pitches of Laval starting in the 2026 season. This landmark move is poised to bring exhilarating professional men's soccer back to the province, filling a void that has been keenly felt by fans since the Montreal Impact (now CF Montréal) transitioned to Major League Soccer in 2012.

Spearheading this exciting venture is Jean-François Robert, the dynamic president of USL League Two's CS Saint-Laurent.

Robert, who has acquired the CPL expansion rights for Quebec, is a seasoned figure in the local soccer scene, known for his commitment to developing talent and fostering the sport's growth. His vision extends beyond just a team; it's about building a sustainable and passionate soccer culture that resonates with the diverse communities of Quebec.

The new, yet-to-be-named club will make its initial home at Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard in Montreal for the 2026 season.

However, the long-term plan is even more ambitious: a state-of-the-art, 10,000-seat stadium is slated to rise at the site of Place Bell in Laval, with an anticipated completion in 2027 or 2028. This purpose-built venue promises to be a vibrant hub for soccer, offering an unparalleled matchday experience for supporters and a modern training facility for the athletes.

CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan articulated the strategic importance of this expansion, emphasizing Quebec's rich soccer heritage and its crucial role in the future of Canadian soccer.

This new team isn't just an addition to the league; it's a strategic pillar in the CPL's national growth strategy, aiming to tap into a vast, passionate fanbase and cultivate new generations of players and supporters across the country.

This new CPL franchise will undoubtedly serve as a vital pathway for Quebec's aspiring soccer talents, providing a clear route from local youth academies to the professional ranks within their home province.

It's an opportunity for local heroes to emerge, inspire, and compete at a high level without having to leave Quebec. The team is expected to foster intense local pride and become a powerful symbol of the province's sporting identity.

Looking ahead, the prospect of an in-province rivalry with a potential Quebec City-based team is already sparking excitement, hinting at thrilling derby matches that would captivate the entire province.

For Quebec, 2026 won't just be another year; it will mark the beginning of a new, electrifying era for professional soccer, promising an engaging spectacle for fans and a significant boost to the sport's development at all levels.