The 2026 Forge FC season is the eighth season in the history of Forge FC and the club's eighth season in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), the top flight in Canadian soccer. Forge are the two-time defending CPL Shield winners, having finished first in the 2024 and 2025 CPL seasons.
In addition to the Canadian Premier League, the competed in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and will also contest the Canadian Championship.
Review
Background
Forge FC will enter the 2026 Canadian Premier League season as the two-time reigning regular season winners after having finished first and claiming the CPL Shield in both the 2024 and 2025 CPL seasons.[1] The 2025 shield was the club's third regular season title and seventh trophy in seven years.[2] In the CPL playoffs, Forge were eliminated in the semifinals, making the 2025 CPL final the first in league history not to feature Forge.[3]
The Hammers will also compete in the 2026 Canadian Championship, a domestic cup organized by the Canadian Soccer Association. In the 2025 edition, Forge advanced to the semifinal, defeating MLS side CF Montréal in the quarterfinal for the second year in a row,[4] before being knocked out by the eventual champion Vancouver Whitecaps FC.[5]
Forge qualified for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup as 2025 CPL regular season winners.[1][6] This was Forge's fourth appearance in the competition and third appearance in a row. In the 2025 edition, Forge faced Mexican side Monterrey in round one, losing 5–0 on aggregate.[7]
Head coach and sporting director Bobby Smyrniotis is contracted to return for his eighth season with the club after signing a four-year contract extension in 2023.[8][9]
Preseason
Forge reported that it had opened its preseason in Hamilton with medicals on January 12 before starting training the next day. The club is scheduled to travel to Cancun for two weeks of training where it will play friendlies against Liga Premier club Inter Playa del Carmen and MLS club Orlando City SC.[10]
Current squad
As of March 13, 2026[11]
| No.
|
Name
|
Nationality
|
Position(s)
|
Date of birth (age)
|
Previous club
|
Notes
|
| Goalkeepers
|
| 16
|
Dimitry Bertaud
|
|
GK
|
(1998-06-06) June 6, 1998
|
Montpellier HSC
|
INT
|
| 36
|
Dino Bontis
|
|
GK
|
(2004-08-03) August 3, 2004
|
Western Mustangs
|
|
| Defenders
|
| 3
|
Marko Jevremović
|
|
DF
|
(1996-02-23) February 23, 1996
|
Athens Kallithea F.C.
|
INT
|
| 5
|
Daniel Nimick
|
|
DF
|
(2000-09-22) September 22, 2000
|
HFX Wanderers FC
|
|
| 6
|
Ben Paton
|
|
DF
|
(2000-05-05) May 5, 2000
|
Ross County
|
|
| 8
|
Antoine Batisse
|
|
DF
|
(1995-01-13) January 13, 1995
|
FK IMT
|
INT
|
| 24
|
Rezart Rama
|
|
DF
|
(2000-12-04) December 4, 2000
|
KF Egnatia
|
INT
|
|
|
Daniel Krutzen
|
|
DF
|
(1996-09-19) September 19, 1996
|
Phoenix Rising FC
|
|
| Midfielders
|
| 10
|
Kyle Bekker
|
|
MF
|
(1990-09-02) September 2, 1990
|
North Carolina FC
|
|
| 16
|
Khadim Kane
|
|
MF
|
(2005-05-17) May 17, 2005
|
CF Montréal U23
|
U21
|
| 22
|
Noah Jensen
|
|
MF
|
(1999-07-20) July 20, 1999
|
Oakland University
|
|
| 23
|
Anthony Aromatario
|
|
MF
|
(2003-04-30) April 30, 2003
|
Woodbridge Strikers
|
U Sports
|
| 28
|
Keito Lipovschek
|
|
MF
|
(2005-04-03) April 3, 2005
|
Fleetwood United
|
U21
|
| 32
|
Zayne Bruno
|
|
MF
|
(2007-01-23) January 23, 2007
|
Sigma FC
|
U21, EYT
|
| Forwards
|
| 7
|
Ismael Oketokoun
|
|
FW
|
2006 or 2007 (age 19–20)
|
CF Platges de Calvià
|
INT
|
| 9
|
Brian Wright
|
|
FW
|
(1995-03-24) March 24, 1995
|
York United FC
|
|
| 11
|
Nana Opoku Ampomah
|
|
FW
|
(1996-01-02) January 2, 1996
|
Fortuna Düsseldorf
|
INT
|
| 17
|
Hoce Massunda
|
|
FW
|
(2005-06-19) June 19, 2005
|
Sigma FC
|
U21
|
| 18
|
Molham Babouli
|
|
FW
|
(1993-01-02) January 2, 1993
|
York United FC
|
|
| 19
|
Tristan Borges
|
|
FW
|
(1998-08-26) August 26, 1998
|
OH Leuven
|
|
| 20
|
Kevaughn Tavernier
|
|
FW
|
(2006-02-24)February 24, 2006 (aged 17)
|
Sigma FC
|
U21
|
Contracts and transfers
New contracts
In
Transferred in
Draft picks
Forge FC made two selections in the 2026 CPL–U Sports Draft on November 28, 2025.[24][25] Draft picks are not automatically signed to the team roster; only those who are signed to a contract will be listed as transfers in.
| Round
|
Selection
|
Pos.
|
Player
|
Nationality
|
University
|
| 1
|
8
|
DF
|
Noah Bickford
|
Canada
|
TMU
|
| 2
|
15
|
MF
|
Maxime Bourgeois
|
Canada
|
Sherbrooke
|
Out
| No.
|
Pos.
|
Player
|
To club
|
Fee/notes
|
Date
|
Source
|
| 81
|
DF
|
Malik Owolabi-Belewu
|
Chesterfield F.C.
|
Contract expired
|
December 31, 2025
|
[26][27]
|
| 7
|
FW
|
David Choinière
|
FC Supra
|
Contract expired
|
December 31, 2025
|
[28][29]
|
| 27
|
FW
|
Victor Klonaridis
|
Aris Petroupolis F.C.
|
Contract expired
|
December 31, 2025
|
[30][31]
|
| 39
|
FW
|
Béni Badibanga
|
Inter Toronto FC
|
Contract expired
|
December 31, 2025
|
[32]
|
| 1
|
GK
|
Jassem Koleilat
|
Birmingham Legion FC
|
Contract expired
|
December 31, 2025
|
[33]
|
| 23
|
MF
|
Harry Paton
|
Cavalry FC
|
Contract expired
|
December 31, 2025
|
[34]
|
| 29
|
GK
|
Christopher Kalongo
|
Toronto FC II
|
Contract expired
|
December 31, 2025
|
[35]
|
| 8
|
MF
|
Elimane Cissé
|
Teungueth FC
|
Contract expired
|
December 31, 2025
|
[36]
|
| 13
|
MF
|
Alexander Achinioti-Jonsson
|
Raufoss IL
|
Contract expired
|
December 31, 2025
|
[37][38]
|
| 21
|
MF
|
Alessandro Hojabrpour
|
FC Emmen
|
Undisclosed
|
January 20, 2026[i]
|
[39][41][40]
|
| 99
|
MF
|
Christos Liatifis
|
|
Mutual contract termination
|
January 30, 2026
|
[13]
|
Club
Prior to the season, the Hamilton Sports Group welcomed businessman and investor Angelo Paletta as a minority owner.[42][43]
Kits
In November 2025, Canadian Soccer Business announced a multi-year partnership with Hummel to be the CPL's new kit and apparel partner starting with the 2026 season,[44] replacing Macron.[45] In December, the league Moneris as the new sleeve sponsor for every CPL club.[46]
On January 6, Forge unveiled a black and orange third kit that pays homage to the defunct Hamilton Steelers (1981–1992) and made available only to the club's season seat members.[47][48] Later in the month, Forge unveiled its new orange primary kit and dark gray alternate kit.[49]
Competitions
Matches are listed in Hamilton local time: Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4) from March 8 until November 1, and Eastern Standard Time (UTC−5) otherwise.
Overview
| Competition
|
First match
|
Last match
|
Starting round
|
Final position
|
Record
|
| Pld
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
GF
|
GA
|
GD
|
Win %
|
| Canadian Premier League
|
April 4
|
October 25
|
Matchday 1
|
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
+0
|
!—
|
| Canadian Championship
|
May 9
|
|
Preliminary round
|
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
+0
|
!—
|
| CONCACAF Champions Cup
|
February 3
|
February 10
|
Round one
|
Round one
|
2
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
−3
|
000.00
|
| Total
|
2
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
−3
|
000.00
|
Canadian Premier League
The Canadian Premier League announced its schedule on February 2. The season is scheduled to include a pause starting June 11 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup before resuming on June 26.[50][51]
Canadian Championship
The Canadian Championship draw was held on January 17.[53] As one of the four-highest ranked clubs based on the Canadian Championship Club Ranking Index, Forge were pre-seeded for the draw.[54]
Preliminary round
Canada Soccer announced the preliminary round schedule on February 5.[55]
CONCACAF Champions Cup
The CONCACAF Champions Cup draw was held on December 9, 2025, with Forge drawing Liga MX side Tigres UANL in round one.[56][57] Having qualified as CPL regular season winners, Forge entered the competition in round one and began play in February.[6]
Round one
The round one schedule was announced on December 12, 2025.[58]
Notes
- ^ FC Emmen announced the transfer on January 20, 2026,[39] while Forge FC announced the transfer on January 21, 2026.[40]
References
- ^ a b O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (October 18, 2025). "Forge FC lift 2025 CPL Shield as regular season winners". Canadian Premier League. Archived from the original on October 19, 2025. Retrieved October 19, 2025.
- ^ Radley, Scott (October 25, 2025). "They're regular season champs. Now, can Forge FC win in playoffs to finally achieve elusive double?". The Hamilton Spectator. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ Saelhof, Todd (November 2, 2025). "Cavalry FC upends host Forge in bid to defend CPL playoff title". Calgary Herald. Archived from the original on November 3, 2025. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
- ^ Grigoriadis, Elias (July 10, 2025). "Hamilton's Forge FC eliminates CF Montreal from Canadian Championship for 2nd consecutive year". CBC News. The Canadian Press. Archived from the original on July 12, 2025. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
- ^ Karstens-Smith, Gemma (September 17, 2025). "Whitecaps beat Forge FC to book spot in Canadian Championship final". TSN. The Canadian Press. Archived from the original on September 17, 2025. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- ^ a b "2026 Champions Cup Key Details and Qualified Teams" (Press release). Miami, FL: CONCACAF. October 20, 2025. Archived from the original on October 29, 2025. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ "Monterrey cruises to win over Canada's Forge FC, advances in CONCACAF Champions Cup". TSN. Guadalupe, Mexico. The Canadian Press. February 11, 2025. Archived from the original on February 12, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ "Forge FC Announce Extension and Expanded Role For Bobby Smyrniotis" (Press release). Forge FC. May 1, 2023. Archived from the original on November 12, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
- ^ Milton, Steve (May 1, 2023). "Forge FC locks in coach Bobby Smyrniotis for four more years". The Hamilton Spectator. Archived from the original on May 15, 2023. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
- ^ Milton, Steve (January 16, 2026). "Snow disrupts Forge FC training ahead of Mexico trip". Forge FC. Retrieved January 16, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ a b "Forge FC Signs Midfielder Anthony Aromatario to CPL-U Sports Contract". Forge FC. March 13, 2026. Archived from the original on March 14, 2026. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
- ^ "Forge FC re-sign Nana Ampomah to multi-year deal". Canadian Premier League. December 22, 2025. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ a b c d "Forge FC Welcomes Back Canadian Forward Kevaughn Tavernier" (Press release). Hamilton, ON: Forge FC. January 30, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ a b c Jacques, John (January 30, 2026). "CanMNT Youth Prospect Kevaughn Tavernier Turns Pro With Forge FC". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on January 31, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ Jacques, John (March 13, 2026). "After Making His Club Debut In Champions Cup, Aromatario Signs With Forge FC". Archived from the original on March 14, 2026. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
- ^ "Three-time CPL champion Daniel Krutzen returns to Forge FC". Canadian Premier League. December 23, 2025. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ "Forge FC Sign Spanish Striker Ismael Oketokoun" (Press release). Hamilton, ON: Forge FC. January 8, 2026. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ "Forge FC Sign French Centre-back Antoine Batisse" (Press release). Hamilton, ON: Forge FC. January 31, 2026. Retrieved February 1, 2026.
{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ Jacques, John (January 31, 2026). "Forge Add Veteran French Defender Antoine Batisse". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on February 1, 2026. Retrieved February 1, 2026.
- ^ "Forge FC Sign DR Congo National Team Goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud" (Press release). Hamilton, ON: Forge FC. February 1, 2026. Retrieved February 1, 2026.
{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ Jacques, John (February 1, 2026). "Forge Signs Congo International Goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on February 1, 2026. Retrieved February 1, 2026.
- ^ a b c "Forge FC Announces Three Short-Term Player Signings" (Press release). Forge FC. February 2, 2026. Archived from the original on February 25, 2026. Retrieved February 25, 2026 – via OurSports Central.
- ^ a b c Jacques, John (February 2, 2026). "Forge Signs Draft Pick Trio Ahead Of Continental Tilt". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on February 25, 2026. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ^ "Forge FC Select Bickford and Bourgeois in 2026 CPL–U Sports Draft" (Press release). Hamilton, ON: Forge FC. November 28, 2025. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ Davidson, Neil (November 28, 2025). "Expansion FC Supra du Quebec adds to its roster with top two picks in U Sports draft". Yahoo Sports. The Canadian Press. Archived from the original on November 28, 2025. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
- ^ "Spireites agree deal for defender Owolabi-Belewu". BBC Sport. August 7, 2025. Archived from the original on September 16, 2025. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
- ^ "Defender becomes first signing of 2026". Chesterfield F.C. January 1, 2026. Archived from the original on January 2, 2026. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ "Veteran winger David Choiniere leaves Forge after seven seasons with CPL powerhouse". Yahoo Sports. The Canadian Press. December 8, 2025. Archived from the original on December 9, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
- ^ Massoud, Raphaël (December 10, 2025). "« Un retour à la maison » : Le FC Supra dévoile ses trois premiers joueurs" ["A homecoming": FC Supra unveils its first three players]. Radio-Canada (in French). Archived from the original on December 11, 2025. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
- ^ Aris Petroupolis F.C. [@arispetroupolis.official]; (January 17, 2026). "Το διοικητικό συμβούλιο του Άρη Πετρούπολης βρίσκεται στην ευχάριστη θέση να ανακοινώσει τη συμφωνία με τον ποδοσφαιριστή Βίκτωρα Κλωναρίδη" [The board of directors of Aris Petroupoli is pleased to announce the agreement with the football player Victor Klonaridis] (in Greek). Retrieved January 18, 2026 – via Instagram.
- ^ "Σε ομάδα Γ' Εθνικής ο Βίκτωρ Κλωναρίδης" [Victor Klonaridis joins the Third National Team]. Magnesia News (in Greek). Kareklidis Group. January 17, 2026. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
- ^ "Inter Toronto Football Club Signs Former Canadian Premier League Champion Béni Badibanga". Inter Toronto FC (Press release). Toronto, ON: Canadian Premier League. January 19, 2026. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ Jacques, John (February 5, 2026). "Birmingham Legion Lands Jassem Koleilat". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on February 5, 2026. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ^ "Cavalry FC sign midfielder Harry Paton to multi-year deal". Cavalry FC. February 5, 2026. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ "Toronto FC II sign Canadians Christopher Kalongo and Daniel Stampatori". Toronto FC II. Toronto FC. February 5, 2026. Archived from the original on February 5, 2026. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ^ Jacques, John (February 6, 2026). "Elimane Cisse Signs In Senegal". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on February 6, 2026. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
- ^ "Folkets spiller: Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson klar for Raufoss" [People's Player: Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson ready for Raufoss]. Raufoss IL (in Norwegian). February 14, 2026. Archived from the original on February 25, 2026. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ^ Jacques, John (February 14, 2026). "Forge's All-Time Appearance Leader Achinioti-Jonsson Signs With Raufoss". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on February 25, 2026. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ^ a b "Welkom bij FC Emmen, Alessandro Hojabrpour!" [Welcome to FC Emmen, Alessandro Hojabrpour!]. FC Emmen (in Dutch). January 20, 2026. Archived from the original on January 20, 2026. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- ^ a b "Forge FC agree to the transfer of Alessandro Hojabrpour to FC Emmen" (Press release). Hamilton, ON: Forge FC. January 21, 2026. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ Jacques, John (January 20, 2026). "Alessandro Hojabrpour Signs With FC Emmen". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on January 20, 2026. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- ^ "Hamilton Sports Group Welcomes Local Business Leader and Philanthropist Angelo Paletta to its Ownership Group" (Press release). Hamilton, ON: Hamilton Tiger-Cats. December 8, 2025. Archived from the original on December 8, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
- ^ "Angelo Paletta joins Hamilton Sports Group as minority owner". 3DownNation. Harvard Media. December 8, 2025. Archived from the original on December 8, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
- ^ "Canadian Soccer Business Expands Partnership with hummel as Official Kit and Apparel Partner of the Canadian Premier League" (Press release). Canadian Premier League. November 6, 2025. Archived from the original on November 6, 2025. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ Jacques, John (November 6, 2025). "Canadian Premier League Brings In Hummel As New Kit Partner". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on November 13, 2025. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ "Moneris becomes Official Commerce Solutions Partner of the Canadian Premier League". Canadian Premier League. December 9, 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ Jacques, John (January 7, 2026). "First Look: Check Out Forge's Member-Exclusive Kit". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on January 7, 2026. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ Cook, Glenn (January 15, 2026). "CanPL's Forge FC Releases Exclusive Members' Kit Honouring Hamilton Steelers". SportsLogos.Net. Archived from the original on January 15, 2026. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
- ^ Jacques, John (January 30, 2026). "Forge Launches Fiery Kits For 2026". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on January 30, 2026. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
- ^ "CPL Schedule Release presented by WestJet: 2026 fixtures revealed". Canadian Premier League. February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ Jacques, John (February 2, 2026). "The 2026 Canadian Premier League Schedule Is Here". Northern Tribune. Archived from the original on February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
- ^ "Forge FC Announces Kickoff Time Change for Home Opener" (Press release). Forge FC. March 17, 2026. Archived from the original on March 18, 2026. Retrieved March 18, 2026 – via OurSports Central.
- ^ "2026 Telus Canadian Championship Preliminary Round Schedule Announced". Canadian Soccer Association. January 17, 2026. Archived from the original on January 18, 2026. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
- ^ O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (January 16, 2026). "Watch: 2026 Telus Canadian Championship Draw to take place Jan. 17 (9pm ET/6pm PT)". OneSoccer. Retrieved January 16, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ "Dates and Times Confirmed for 2026 TELUS Canadian Championship Preliminary Round". Canada Soccer. February 5, 2026. Archived from the original on February 5, 2026. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ^ "Vancouver FC drawn against Cruz Azul in Concacaf Champions Cup". Sportsnet. The Canadian Press. December 9, 2025. Archived from the original on December 10, 2025. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One Matchups Revealed Following Draw" (Press release). Miami, FL: CONCACAF. December 9, 2025. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ "2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One and Round of 16 Schedule Released" (Press release). Miami, FL: CONCACAF. December 12, 2025. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ "Forge FC vs Tigres". FotMob. February 3, 2026. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
- ^ "Tigres vs Forge FC". FotMob. February 10, 2026. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
Further reading
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| | The Club | |
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| Stadium | |
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| Rivalries | |
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| Key personnel | |
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| Development clubs | |
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Category |