We tend to think of the Super Bowl as a huge sporting event, but during the next two months more than five billion people from all around the world will be watching the World Cup.
It’s on another level, and it’s coming to Vancouver.
As a soccer fan, I’ve been glued to the screen for every World Cup, as far back as I remember.
My standout memory is for sure the last final in 2022, between France and Argentina.
It was probably the best game of soccer I have ever watched – the drama, the quality of the goals and the swings in momentum made it an absolutely insane match. Argentina won on penalties after it finished 3-3 following extra time.
I watched the tournament at home with my family, it was a great memory.
Another standout moment I think back on was Robin van Persie’s flying Dutchman header against Spain in 2014, he was my favourite player growing up. I was travelling on a road trip with the TSS Rovers youth academy at the time, and we watched it together as a team in McDonalds.
Then, as a Canadian, seeing Alphonso Davies score the country’s first-ever World Cup goal four years ago was very special. I remember that qualifying campaign well, because it was Canada’s first time to make it to the World Cup since 1986.
As time is going on, we are definitely establishing ourselves as more of a competitive country in soccer.
It would be great if we could get out of the group stage this time, and play a knockout game in Vancouver. That would be a realistic target and a huge step forward for Canada, but even just being competitive and putting in strong performances is something I know Canadians will get behind.
What makes the World Cup so special is the best players from all around the the world are battling it out almost everyday for a month. The players I’ll be watching most closely though are our own, and one player I have followed for a while is Joel Waterman.
He’s playing on the biggest stage there is, but his career is still one that feels realistic to replicate.
He comes from B.C. and went through university soccer before moving into the Canadian Premier League, the same pathway I have followed.
From there, he put in the performances to earn a move to the MLS, and then get called up for the national team.
For young players like me playing for Vancouver FC and competing in the CPL, his success is proof that the pathway that’s been created works, because he’s developed through every level of it.
The club and league are designed to give local talent the opportunity to progress from the grassroots level, to compete as professionals in a national league in Canada, and then earn the chance to take the next step onto the world stage.
Joel is from Aldergrove, and he plays in a similar position to me. He’s a really good player and I’m looking forward to supporting him and the Canadian team.
I think there will be a huge buzz around the city during the next two months, with so much excitement around soccer and the national team.
Afterwards, I think people are naturally going to be looking for somewhere to continue watching live soccer, and the next generation of Canadian internationals are right here playing in the CPL. It’s the top league in Canada, and I think even people from outside the country will become more interested in following it after the World Cup.
To me, that’s the real legacy of hosting a World Cup (June 13 to July 7), how it strengthens the soccer pathway and opportunities for young players we have in the country.
READ MORE – VIDEO: Late in game goal leads to loss by Vancouver FC at hands of Halifax
In the meantime, last weekend in the CPL we were disappointed to lose 1-0 away from home to Halifax Wanderers. Their goalkeeper was the player of the match – we put them under a lot of pressure and he made some great saves. We deserved the win, so to concede a goal so late in stoppage time was tough to take.
But this week (Friday, June 5), we are back in action at Langley, against Atlético Ottawa, who we drew with earlier this season. We are looking forward to being back in front of our home fans and as always appreciate the support.
It’s the start of an incredibly exciting two months of soccer.
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– Kian Proctor is a 20-year-old Vancouver FC defender from Delta, who signed his first professional contract for the 2026 season after a standout year at SFU. He will be writing a weekly column this season, offering insight into himself and his new team.
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RECENT NEWS: Netminder Felipe Drolet has departed Vancouver FC
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