Toronto FC and CF Montreal continue to lag behind in Major League Soccer despite Canada's growing soccer profile and the country co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. While the Vancouver Whitecaps have proven to be successful contenders by reaching major finals and winning multiple Canadian Championships, Toronto and Montreal’s struggles highlight deeper organizational issues. Toronto has failed to build a balanced and sustainable team after their peak in 2017, relying heavily on expensive but ultimately ineffective star signings like Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. This approach has led to repeated coaching changes, roster instability, and poor on-field performance, culminating in five consecutive seasons without playoff appearances.

Montreal’s issues stem primarily from operating on one of the league’s lowest payrolls — around $9.2 million — which has limited their ability to attract and retain high-caliber players. The club’s hope to build through player development and undervalued signings has fallen short due to inconsistent recruitment, coaching turnover, and failure to establish a strong academy-to-first-team pathway. After a promising 2022 season, Montreal has slipped down the Eastern Conference standings and failed to mount a serious playoff challenge. Their managerial upheavals, including the firing of managers Laurent Courtois and Marco Donadel, underscore the ongoing uncertainty and lack of clear strategic direction.

Both clubs illustrate contrasting but equally problematic approaches within the current MLS framework. Toronto’s model of acquiring big-name stars has backfired without the necessary support structure, while Montreal’s frugality demands exceptional scouting and development proficiency that has not materialized. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment’s significant resources have not translated into Toronto’s success, while Montreal’s ownership under Joey Saputo faces growing fan skepticism over investment levels and ambition. The lack of a coherent football philosophy, sustainable roster building, and accountability has hindered progress in both cities.

The broader lesson for Canadian soccer is that success in MLS requires more than market size and passionate fan bases. Organizations must develop long-term strategies rooted in player development, smart recruitment, and stable leadership to thrive. Vancouver’s triumphs prove that Canadian clubs can compete effectively under league constraints, but Toronto and Montreal must learn to build consistent identities and leverage local talent pools better. Until these foundations are established, their supporters will continue to watch from the sidelines as rivals like the Whitecaps set the example.