CPL Vancouver FC

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

Published on November 2, 2023 under 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 he made his debut as a second half substitute in Vancouver's inaugural home opener on May 7, 2023, and once again made history as the league's youngest scorer when he netted his first goal against Pacific FC on Jun. 2, 2023.

Days after his first call up for Canada was announced in September, Tahid scored his third and final goal of the 2023 CPL season in Vancouver's 1-0 win over Valour FC, eliminating the Winnipeg side out of playoff contention and lifting VFC into seventh place in the league. The young midfielder made six starts in twenty appearances for Vancouver over the course of his first professional season.

The group stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup will be completed on Nov. 18, with round of 16 play scheduled for Nov. 20 to Nov. 21. The quarterfinals are set for Nov. 24 and Nov. 25, with the semifinals scheduled for Nov. 28. The final will be played on Dec. 2nd. A match to determine the third place finisher will be contested on Dec. 1.

Canada must finish first or second in Group B or be one of the four best teams among those ranked third to qualify for the round of 16. Canada has yet to make it past the group stage in any FIFA U-17 World Cup. Throughout the competition, fans will find coverage across digital channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube featuring the hashtag #canm17.

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