Montreal Alouettes pull off overtime victory over Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2026 CFL opener

The Montreal Alouettes defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 30–27 in overtime to win the opening game of the 2026 Canadian Football League season at Tim Hortons Field. Defensive back Robert Kennedy III secured the turnaround with a 54‑yard interception return for a touchdown late in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to seven points. After the teams exchanged scores to force overtime, Kennedy forced a fumble on Tiger‑Cats receiver Keric Wheatfall; teammate Kabion Ento recovered, setting up a game‑winning field goal by Jose Maltos‑Diaz.

Quarterback Davis Alexander threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns, extending his personal streak to 12‑0 as a starter. The Alouettes played through early setbacks, including three offensive starters who left with injuries and 118 penalty yards in the first half, while Hamilton’s Bo Levi Mitchell completed 34 of 39 passes for 307 yards. The win ended Hamilton’s streak of season‑opening victories, which they had not secured since 2018.