Most Loyal CPL Soccer Fans: How Home Advantage Affects Betting

Canada has long held supremacy in ice hockey, and now it’s becoming synonymous with soccer, too. For betting fans, this is just swell — more chances to bet, and bet with passion — because now there’s something homegrown to celebrate and squabble over!

The Canadian Premier League (CPL) is changing the soccer game in Canada. As the league grows its fanbase, bettors are left with a pressing question: Do fans really affect match-day outcomes? We believe they do.

One shouldn’t underestimate the crowd’s pull on a game and players’ momentum, especially when dealing with live odds. The 2024 season saw nearly 450,000 spectators in stadiums, a record that’s sure to grow with every passing year.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about the CPL’s expanding fanbase and what fan metrics to watch for when betting on match day.

Measuring Fan Loyalty in the Canadian Premier League

Measuring fan loyalty for CPL teams can be a tricky slope, since the league is still in its infancy compared to top soccer clubs in the EPL and La Liga with their global viewership and player following.

If we were to quantify fan loyalty in the CPL, we’d probably look at the following metrics:

Average attendance per game;
Passionate soccer fans — chanting slogans, waving flags, and wearing club colors;
Online engagement and media mentions;
Match attendance when the team’s going through a rough patch.

Many of these are vanity metrics, but they could help reveal behavioural patterns of fans and the popularity of clubs in Canada.

CPL Clubs: Which Soccer Team Has the Most Fans

Numbers are one thing, but if you’re betting smart, don’t just look at stats — listen for the loudest roars. For us, both the stats and the roars point to Forge F.C. and HFX Wanderers FC.

Forge fans have made it into the Canadian Premier League attendance records, holding the top two spots. You can feel their crowd power even before the first whistle. Their inaugural match in 2019 pulled over 17,000 fans to Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, and they topped that record in style during their 2025 School Day spectacle against Atlético Ottawa, drawing an electric crowd of 17,971.

Halifax come in second. The Wanderers Grounds is home to some of the league’s most loyal fans. Even through the team’s back-to-back losses, Halifax fans stand tall. According to Transfermarkt, they led the league in average attendance from 2020 to 2024, pulling nearly 6000 fans per match.

Beyond the top two, Pacific F.C. and Cavalry F.C. also pull respectable numbers. The Tridents attract the vibrant West Coast supporters, while the Cavs tap into Alberta’s military pride and strong hometown passion.

The Culture and Identity Behind Canadian Soccer Fandom

What makes Canadian soccer fans special isn’t just volume. It’s creativity and consistency. Most CPL clubs now have a firm supporters’ group: the Barton St. Battalion (Forge), Privateers 1882 (Halifax), and Lake Side Buoys (Pacific) are some of the more recognizable names.

Each group adds flavour to the matchday experience: choreographed entrances, local songs, personalized chants for players. It’s not about winning a loyalty award — it’s about shared identity. That devotion fuels rivalry, atmosphere, and a sense of belonging, giving players a psychological edge and shaping what a “home crowd” means in Canada.

How Fan Support Translates to On-Field Performance

Soccer is as much about skill as it is about community. After all, it’s humans playing and humans cheering, so psychology becomes an integral part of the sport.

Supportive crowds can be the biggest asset for a club during the match. They can pump up morale, swing momentum, and distract the opposition. Studies on soccer leagues in Norway and Turkey have shown that spectator pressure can sometimes affect referee decisions.

In a league like the CPL, where margins are already thin, this emotional edge can make a crucial difference.

Home Advantage in Soccer: What It Means for Bettors?

Hosts win more often than away teams for several reasons: travel fatigue, familiar turf, referee bias, and fan energy.

When setting the odds, bookmakers factor the home advantage, but in leagues like the CPL, where data is still maturing, these odds don’t always show the accurate picture. That’s good news for savvy bettors, who can find value in it by betting on teams with strong home records and loyal crowds.

Psychological and Tactical Impact of Fan Presence

Energy isn’t something you can measure, but it can certainly influence a match. A sudden pump in the crowd can create undue pressure on the away team, and the home team can ride that momentum — pushing those defenses a little harder, taking extra risks, and feeding off every chant that echoes through the stadium.

Coaches always talk about feeling the crowd, and sometimes, that’s all the pep talk they give you.

What Do CPL Home Records Say About Specific Trends in Home Field Performance?

Here’s a round-up of “home vs. away” stats in the 2024 CPL season, according to Transfermarkt:

Team	Home Record (W-D-L)	Away Record (W-D-L)
Forge FC	11-1-2	4-4-6
Cavalry FC	5-8-1	7-4-3
Atlético Ottawa	5-6-3	6-5-3
York United	7-3-4	4-3-7
Pacific FC	6-3-5	3-4-7
HFX Wanderers	6-6-2	1-3-10
Vancouver FC	4-4-6	3-5-6
Valour FC	5-2-7	2-5-7

If you bet on Forge, HFX Wanderers, or York United to win at home, chances are you’re cashing in — at least, that’s what the stats say. Each of them have a stronger home record compared to their away performances, and crowd support is a big factor. For bettors, loyal fans can make all the difference in high-pressure games, swinging momentum at just the right moments.

Responsible Gambling

Play responsibly — you owe it to yourself and your home team. Always treat wagers as entertainment and not as a way to get rich. Set a budget before you place a bet and stick to it, no matter how the game is going.

The key to betting is having fun, and chasing losses takes it away. Take regular breaks to cool off, and if you feel gambling is affecting your personal life, finances, or relationships, reach out to local support services for help.

FAQs

Which CPL clubs have the most fan following?
Based on attendance history and social media following, Forge, a four-time Canadian Premier League champion, lead with the league’s largest fan base. HFX Wanderers trail a close second.
How does home fan support affect betting outcomes?
Strong home crowds can boost morale and shift momentum, often leading to better performance and more home wins in close games.
Are CPL home teams statistically more likely to win?
Yes, many CPL clubs have better home records. The edge often comes from the emotional and psychological lift provided by fans rather than from any tactical advantage.
What factors create a home-field advantage in soccer?
Key factors that add to the home advantage include crowd support, familiarity with the turf, and travel fatigue for the away team. These can make all the difference, especially in the Canadian Premier League playoff and final games.