Will the 2026 World Cup meaningfully benefit CT businesses despite the state not hosting matches?

Connecticut isn’t hosting any of the 2026 World Cup’s 104 matches, but it sits squarely between host cities Boston and New York — and some local players are angling for a piece of the action, from Stamford-based marketing giant Octagon running on-the-ground operations for eight tournament sponsors to Hartford's city-backed “Summer of Soccer” watch-party campaign.

The tournament is expected to drive billions in sponsorship and marketing spending nationally, but whether that translates into real business for a non-host state is an open question. We want to know what you think.