DANKOCHIK’S DRAFTINGS: Examining my lack of World Cup excitement

Four years ago, you couldn’t find a person who was more all-in on Canada’s men’s national soccer team.

Watching them qualify to the World Cup as the top team in the region, including memorable victories over the United States and Mexico are some sporting memories I will never forget.

So why am I not hyped for this year’s World Cup? Canada is hosting, I should be all-in. Maybe when the tournament starts I will be, but not participating in the qualification has taken a lot of the fun out of the process.

Canada hosting as part of a tournament across three countries probably doesn’t help either. If Canada were solo hosting, I’d probably be way more interested, but as part of not only dual-hosts, but triple-hosts, it’s just not hitting the same way the 2010 Olympics did.

I have not considered for one second potentially going to a Canada group game which is probably a once in my lifetime opportunity. When Canada was on the precipice of qualifying last cycle, I nearly booked a last day flight to Toronto from B.C., just to see them qualify for their first World Cup since 1986.

Even when the World Cup trophy made a stop in Winnipeg this week, I had no temptation to go.

Expanding the tournament from 32 to 48 teams could be a factor. Qualifying just doesn’t mean as much in this day and age — unless you’re Italy I suppose.

It’s possible this is just a case of ramping up for the games, and when Canada takes to the pitch, I’ll be all in once again, but I’m not sure.

The run up to this World Cup has been weird, with ticket and FIFA controversies focused on the United States. It feels like Canada and Mexico hosting games are just an afterthought.

It isn’t Canada welcoming the world, it’s Canada allowed to host some home games, and a couple other games, while the United States hosts the world. I’d almost have rather the United States host on their own. This World Cup is feeling more like a Gold Cup, with Canada playing some home group games in a bid to increase ticket demand.

I’m as excited for the launch of the Prairies Premier League this summer as I am for the World Cup, and that’s a weird statement to make, and a drastically different feeling than four years ago.