The 2026 CIAC boys soccer season is poised to begin on Tuesday, September 8, with teams across Connecticut gearing up for an exciting year. As schools prepare for the upcoming matches, fans can look forward to key games that will set the tone for the season.
Last year's champions, Staples (Class LL), Simsbury (Class L), Tolland (Class M), and Somers (Class S), will be looking to defend their titles in a competitive landscape. Tolland, in particular, is aiming for a historic achievement as they seek to become the first team since Old Saybrook to win three consecutive CIAC state titles. Old Saybrook previously dominated the scene with five straight championships from 2018 to 2023.
The opening day will feature a highly anticipated rematch between Hall and Tolland on September 8 at 5:15 p.m. This match is a repeat of last year's CCC championship game, where Tolland triumphed in a thrilling penalty shootout. With Tolland being the two-time defending Class M champion and Hall having reached the Class LL semifinals last year, this matchup is expected to be a highlight of the early season.
Another significant game on the calendar is set for September 22, when Fairfield Prep visits Notre Dame-West Haven at 3:45 p.m. Notre Dame-West Haven, the two-time defending SCC champion, will face last year's conference tournament runner-up in what promises to be a competitive encounter.
As the season progresses, fans will also be eager to see a rematch of last year's CIAC Class LL and FCIAC championship games when Staples takes on Greenwich on October 9 at 5 p.m. Both teams have experienced roster changes, which could impact their performance this season.
On October 13 at 4:15 p.m., South Windsor will visit Glastonbury in another key matchup. South Windsor reached the CIAC Class LL semifinals last year, while Glastonbury was eliminated in the first round. Both teams are expected to contend for top positions in the state this year.
Another notable game will occur on October 15, when Morgan faces Haddam-Killingworth at 3:45 p.m. This matchup is a rematch of last year's Shoreline Conference championship, which Haddam-Killingworth won. The two teams also clashed in the Class S semifinals, where Haddam-Killingworth emerged victorious.
With many teams undergoing significant changes this season, the landscape of Connecticut boys soccer is evolving. Notably, only one player from the 2025 GametimeCT All-State teams is returning this year. Perennial contenders like Farmington will see a major roster overhaul, returning just one player from last year's squad. Similarly, two-time defending SCC champion Notre Dame-West Haven will experience a turnover in its lineup. Greenwich, which finished as the runner-up in both the Class LL and FCIAC tournaments, has also lost its top two offensive players, as has Hall. Staples, while returning its leading scorer, has lost all four starters from its defense and a key midfielder.
The CIAC tournament is scheduled to begin with the playdown round on Wednesday, November 4, followed by the first round on November 6 or 7. The second round is set for November 9, with quarterfinals on November 12. Semifinals will take place from November 17-19, culminating in the championship matches on November 21 and 22. As the season unfolds, teams will be eager to prove themselves and make a mark in the competitive CIAC landscape.
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