Episode 723 – The AFTN Soccer Show (A 2026 CPL Preview with guests Martin Nash and Bobby Smyrniotis)

We’re back with another packed AFTN Soccer Show and this time it's our 2026 Canadian Premier League preview special. We chat about the main talking points heading into the CPL's 8th season and bring you a season preview of all eight teams, looking at key additions, important departures, and expectations for the year ahead. Plus we sit down with two of the league's head coaches, Vancouver FC's Martin Nash and Forge FC's Bobby Smyrniotis for an in-depth chat about their team's 2025, offseason activity, the season to come, and some of the new rules and regulations the league are adopting for 2026. Music-wise, Oldham legends Inspiral Carpets kick off their residency as our Artists of the Month, perennial AFTN faves Half Man Half Biscuit are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and the World Cup songs return in Wavelength with one for Scotland from JJ Bull. Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.21: Intro chat 07.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - N 14.45: Some thoughts ahead of the 8th CPL season 31.20: Vancouver FC season preview 54.25: Martin Nash interview 83.40: Pacific FC season preview 97.00: Bobby Smyrniotis interview 126.45: Forge FC season preview 133.10: Atletico Ottawa season preview 145.27: Cavalry FC season preview 151.05: Halifax Wanderers season preview 156.25: Inter Toronto season preview 160.00: Supra FC season preview 169.27: Wavelength - JJ Bull - The Very Unofficial Scotland World Cup Song (Bread and Circuses)