CPL commissioner hopes to capitalize on ‘rising tide effect’ from 2026 World Cup
TORONTO — For an upstart league looking to generate buzz ahead of its kickoff next spring, the timing of the 2026 World Cup host announcement appears to be ideal for the Canadian Premier League.
The CPL plans to begin play in April with eight teams across the country.
With Canada named co-host of the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and the United States on Wednesday, domestic development from the sport’s grassroots to the professional level will be heightened over the coming years. The CPL commissioner is confident that will help the new league that’s armed with a mandate of building Canadian players, coaches and talent in all facets of the game.
“It’s a rising tide effect,” CPL commissioner David Clanachan said Wednesday. “The rising tide will float all boats and certainly in our premier league, we’re going to be right in the middle of it all.”