Ottawa to host Canada Soccer’s 2026 National Championships

Ottawa Gloucester Soccer Club along with their three-time champions Gloucester Celtic will host Canada Soccer’s 2026 National Championships for both the men’s Challenge Trophy and women’s Jubilee Trophy. World-renown for its culture, entertainment and sporting heroes, the City of Ottawa and the nation’s capital region will welcome Canada Soccer’s biggest and oldest amateur competition for the first time ever this October leading into Thanksgiving weekend.

“We are thrilled to bring the 2026 National Championship to Ottawa, a city with a deep love for the game and a proven track record of hosting exceptional sporting events,” said Peter Augruso, Canada Soccer President. “We look forward to welcoming teams and officials from across the country to the nation’s capital. We know Ottawa will be ready!”

Julian de Guzman Park, Ottawa, ON

As Canada’s most accessible sport, soccer welcomes more than 750,000 registered players across the nation. This past year alone, 223 amateur teams took part in qualifying for the National Championships in the adult divisions for both the men’s Challenge Trophy and women’s Jubilee Trophy. From that group, there will be 14-18 amateur teams that qualify across the two divisions (men’s and women’s) with matches to be played across five days from 8-12 October 2026.

“Ottawa is proud to host Canada Soccer’s National Championships in 2026,” said Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “This competition brings significant benefits to our visitor economy while creating memories and sporting moments that stay with athletes, families and supporters long after the final match. We look forward to welcoming teams from across the country to experience Canada’s capital over the Thanksgiving weekend.”

As hosts, Gloucester Celtic will have a spot in the National Championships, with their national seeding to be determined after they participate in this year’s Ontario Cup. Gloucester Celtic are three-time Challenge Trophy winners (National Championships in 2013, 2022 and 2024) and six-time Ontario Cup winners (2013, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025). They were national runners up at St. John’s 2025.

“The National Championships are coming to Ottawa for the first time ever and we couldn’t be more excited. This is a huge moment for our players, our supporters, our club and our community,” said Ron Palaczka, Chair, Ottawa Gloucester Soccer Club. “We can’t wait to showcase our city and experience soccer at an extremely high level. Get ready for unforgettable matches and an incredible celebration of the beautiful game.”

“Ontario Soccer is proud to see the nation’s capital host the 2026 National Championships. Ottawa has long been a leader in fostering community, inclusivity, and excellence in our sport, and this event will showcase the very best of amateur soccer in Canada,” said Johnny Misley, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Soccer. “We look forward to supporting Ottawa Gloucester Soccer Club as they welcome teams from across the country for a memorable and inspiring week of competition.”

Canada Soccer’s National Championships are hosted each October across multiple divisions and venues, with other host cities to be announced in the coming months. As Canada Soccer’s largest national event featuring clubs from coast to coast to coast, the National Championships provide a meaningful week-long soccer experience for host cities and participating teams, as well as the players, coaches, support staff, officials, and volunteers.

This past year, the final week of the Adult National Championships brought together 298 players and 57 coaches/staff from 16 qualified teams who came from seven different provinces. The national competition also supported 35 match officials across the 32 competitive matches.