VFC’s Taryck ‘TJ’ Tahid Named to Canada’s Roster for Fifa U-17 World Cup

November 2, 2023 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Vancouver FC News Release

Langley, BC – Vancouver FC midfielder Taryck ‘TJ’ Tahid has been named to Canada’s U-17 men’s national team roster for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023. This marks Tahid’s third call up for international duty this year and his first time representing Canada in a FIFA sanctioned tournament.

“I am so excited and honoured to be representing my home country and my family in this tournament,” said Tahid. “Playing for Canada in a World Cup is a dream that I’ve been working towards for as long as I can remember and I’m still in awe that it is coming true. I’m looking forward to making the most of this entire experience and to help make history for Canada at this tournament.”

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023 marks the first biennial tournament of its kind since the global pandemic. Canada will play in Group B and first face Spain on Friday, Nov. 10 at Manahan Stadium in Surakarta at 5 a.m. PT/ 8 a.m. ET. Canada will also compete against Uzbekistan on Monday, Nov. 13 at Manahan Stadium at 5 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. ET and against Mali on Thursday, Nov. 16 at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Benowo at 2 a.m. PT / 5 a.m. ET.

Tahid, 16, was named to Canada’s pre-tournament squad in October. At that week-long camp, he was selected as part of coach Andrew Olivieri’s final 21-man roster for the tournament, along with fellow CPL-er Kevaughn Tavernier of the recently crowned 2023 CPL champions Forge FC.

Tahid earned his first international call up in September 2023 when Canada played in a two-match friendly series against Brazil, the defending FIFA U-17 World Cup champions. The native of Maple Ridge, B.C. made his debut in the first match on Sept. 29, starting the game and playing a total of 62 minutes in Canada’s 3-1 loss. Tahid earned his second cap for Canada as a second half substitute in the second match on Oct. 1, 2023.

“TJ is a bright, young star who deserves to be showcased on an international stage,” said Rob Friend, President, Vancouver FC. “He has grown in both his physical skills and his mentality towards the game since joining Vancouver FC and I’m excited to see everything he’ll accomplish in his budding career.”

Tahid inked his first professional deal with Vancouver FC on May 6, 2023, becoming the youngest player in Canadian Premier League (CPL) history to sign a standard professional contract at 16 years and 16 days old. Tahid was the youngest player to appear in a CPL match when…