Vanni Sartini Named Head Coach of the Halifax Wanderers

In what was the culmination of a coaching transfer rumour that gained momentum earlier in the week, it has now been confirmed that former Vancouver Whitecaps manager Vanni Sartini will be appointed as the next manager of the Canadian Premier League side Halifax Wanderers. 

(Image Credit to MLS)

Earlier in the year, one could argue that the signing of legendary Bayern Munich “Raumdeuter” Thomas Müller was the single biggest signing in Canadian soccer history. 

Now, it seems like we have the biggest managerial appointment in Canadian soccer history. 

Earlier Wednesday, it was announced that the Atlantic Canada-based side, Halifax Wanderers, has appointed former Vancouver Whitecaps boss Vanni Sartini to be their new head coach and general manager ahead of the 2026 season. 

The change in leadership comes after the Halifax Wanderers bowed out of the Canadian Premier League playoffs in the first round of play following a penalty shootout defeat at the hands of the Toronto-based side York United, now referred to as Inter Toronto. 

The Wanderers finished fourth in the 2025 Canadian Premier League regular season with 39 points, just three behind the Calgary-based side Cavalry FC and only one point ahead of York United/Inter Toronto. 

Vanni Sartini’s most recent managerial job was with the Vancouver Whitecaps, where he led them to their first three Canadian Championship titles, won between 2022 and 2024. He would also guide the Whitecaps to the MLS Cup Playoffs on two occasions, with both occasions seeing the Vancouver-based club bow out in the first round against LAFC. 

Throughout his career in Vancouver, the Italian has accumulated a 57-51-39 record (wins, losses, draws) across all competitions. 

The Halifax Wanderers are in the midst of their offseason business and making decisions on several key players and transfer moves. No schedule for the 2026 Canadian Premier League season has been released as of this writing. 

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Article written by Noah Guttman

© Noah Guttman