The format for the 2026 tournament largely follows previous years. Seeding was determined using an expanded Canadian Championship ranking index, which evaluated teams based on their performance in the tournament over the previous four years, with recent results weighted more heavily.[4] New for 2026, the four highest ranked teams were assigned positions in the bracket to guarantee that they cannot face each other until the semi-finals.[4][5][6]
The tournament consists of four rounds. The preliminary round and final are single matches while the quarter-finals and semi-finals consist of two-legged ties. For each round, draws would settled by extra time and, if required, a penalty shoot-out.[7]
A player or team official is automatically suspended for the next match for the following offences:[5]
Receiving a red card (suspensions may be extended for serious offences)
Accumulation of yellow cards in the tournament (three for players, two for team officials),[a] with the exception that yellow card accumulation suspensions do not apply to the final.
The draw was held on January 17, 2026.[10] As defending champions, Vancouver Whitecaps FC were awarded a bye to the quarter-finals. The four highest ranked teams were pre-assigned positions in the bracket such that they cannot face each other until at least the semi-finals. Unlike previous years, a second draw will not be held before the semi-finals.
The winner qualifies for the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup. As determined by the draw, the winner of series 5 (i.e. the western half of the bracket) will host the final.[7]
^As yellow cards are not carried forward to penalty shootouts, players or team officials may be shown two yellow cards in the same match without being sent off. However, these would still both count towards accumulation of yellow cards during the tournament.
^ abTypically, the team with the higher ranking hosts the second match; however, the order of the legs was reversed due to scheduling conflicts. BC Place was unavailable for both legs due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Swangard Stadium was only available for the first leg.[11]
^CS Saint-Laurent will host their home leg at Stade Boréale as their normal home stadium, at Vanier College, is not equipped to host professional games.
CF Montréal; 
FC Supra du Québec; 
CS Saint-Laurent
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