Can summer 2026 be a defining moment for local business marketing strategies? The eyes of the world will be on North America as the biggest global sporting event takes place in June and July next year. Eleven U.S. cities will host, including nearby Kansas City, which means real-time worldwide media exposure for the St. Joe community.
For host cities and surrounding communities, this kind of exposure is a once-in-a-generation type of experience. Not only will the stadiums be full, but public spaces will also be packed with fans eager to take in the matches. There will be a surge in foot traffic, hotels will be full and restaurant reservations will be difficult to find. For local businesses, this event promises prime opportunities for authentic engagement and international exposure.
Plan Early
Next June might seem like a long time from now, but to make the most of summer 2026 opportunities, start planning now. Consider how you want your brand to interact with fans and what will make your organization a memorable one, as consumers will be bombarded with content from your competitors–and you want your content to cut through the noise.
If you’re thinking you need to take a multi-layered approach to guide consumers on their journey, you’re on the right track. Will billboards and stadium-adjacent ad placements be a good fit for your brand, or will you stick to more digital mediums? Can you gain the edge by sponsoring events related to the global soccer showcase in your area? What local media buys are applicable, and how will that type of content engage consumers in your region?
There is plenty to think about, which is why mapping out your strategy now makes perfect sense.
Getting Activated
Digital out-of-home (DOOH) activation is a key topic brands are discussing as the international spotlight draws closer. DOOH allows brands to connect with their target audience through dynamic, location-based messaging. So, instead of using actual billboards, you can create content that changes in real time to sync with everything from the weather to traffic to the score of the games. DOOH can even work with your social media, as it can follow trends that help you stay relevant.
The best DOOH campaigns focus on transit hubs, retail corridors and entertainment districts, all of which will be packed with soccer fans exposed to your high-impact visuals. This makes your content timely, relevant and allows you to capture the attention of consumers.
Need assistance with your marketing campaign? Contact us at SJC Marketing. We’ve got strategies that will get your brand in front of the masses for the 2026 soccer showcase and beyond.