Canadian Championship 2025: Vancouver FC’s Biggest Test Yet

The TELUS Canadian Championship is back, and for Vancouver FC, this year’s tournament is more than just another competition—it’s a shot at redemption. As one of Canada’s premier domestic tournaments, the Voyageurs Cup brings together clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS), the Canadian Premier League (CPL), and League1 Canada, all battling for national bragging rights and a coveted spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

A History to Rewrite

Now in their third year in the competition, Vancouver FC is still searching for its first-ever victory in the TELUS Canadian Championship after debuting in 2023. Last year, a tough first-round exit against Cavalry FC ended their hopes of facing Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a marquee matchup that never came to fruition. This time, they’re determined to break through.

Vancouver FC’s journey begins with a Preliminary Round clash against BC rivals Pacific FC on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. PT at Starlight Stadium. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs in the competition, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already fierce rivalry. The Eagles hold a 5-0-3 record against the Tridents in eight all-time CPL matchups, but knockout football brings a different challenge. With regional bragging rights, a path to the Quarter-Finals, and a chance to make history on the line, this is a must-watch fixture.

The Road to Glory

The 2025 TELUS Canadian Championship will feature an expanded 15-team field for the first time. The seven Preliminary Round winners will advance to the Quarter-Finals, where they’ll be joined by defending champions Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who received a bye.

The winner of the Vancouver FC vs. Pacific FC showdown will move on to face either Cavalry FC or 2024 League1 Alberta Champions Edmonton Scottish in a two-legged Quarter-Final series in May and July.

With only one leg to decide their fate in the Preliminary Round, Vancouver FC will need to be sharp from the opening whistle.

Players to Watch

Several key players will be at the heart of Vancouver FC’s Canadian Championship ambitions:

• Terran Campbell – The CPL’s all-time leading goal scorer is back home, bringing experience, leadership, and a nose for goal. He knows how to perform in big moments.
• Alejandro Díaz – The Mexican forward, a proven goal-scorer, reunites with Campbell to form a lethal attacking duo.
• Kadin Chung (Pacific FC) – A former Vancouver FC player, now with Pacific, Chung will be a familiar face on the other side of this heated rivalry, adding extra intensity to the matchup.

Beyond the Trophy

Winning the Voyageurs Cup isn’t just about silverware—it’s about staking a claim as one of Canada’s top clubs. A deep run in this tournament would elevate Vancouver FC’s reputation, prove their ability to compete with the country’s best, and help build their growing fanbase.

Even more enticing, the Canadian Championship winner qualifies for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, a ticket to face top teams across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. For a young club like Vancouver FC, the possibility of playing on an international stage is a dream worth chasing.

How to Watch

All TELUS Canadian Championship matches will be broadcast live on OneSoccer, the dedicated home of soccer in Canada. OneSoccer is available in 35 countries via its streaming service at OneSoccer.ca, through Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, iOS, and Android apps, and as a linear channel on Optik TV (Ch. 980) via TELUS and fuboTV Canada.

What’s Next?

The stage is set. Vancouver FC has the squad, the ambition, and the hunger to make 2025 their breakthrough year in the TELUS Canadian Championship. Can they rise to the occasion and make history? The journey begins May 6.

Vancouver FC recently launched Season Memberships for the upcoming 2025 Canadian Premier League Season. Fans looking to join the Eagles at the Langley Events Centre for the upcoming season can purchase tickets here.