Two young midfielders with the Vancouver FC Eagles are off to Finland next week.
News came down Thursday that Maple Ridge soccer player T.J. Tahid has been the latest added to Canada’s U-18 National Team roster.
He's joining fellow VFC teammate Emrick Fotsing, as well as director of football operation Jeevin Kang, who were confirmed to the team last Monday, Aug. 25.
Being called up to the U-18 camp means both Tahid and Fotsing have been selected to join Canada’s U-18 National Team for an upcoming preparation camp in Finland where they begin preparing for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
As part of the camp, Canada will face Finland on Sept. 5 and Switzerland on Sept. 7, giving both teenagers an invaluable opportunity to showcase their abilities on the global stage.
For Fotsing, this marking the 17-year-old's first call-up to international duty, a major step in what VFC management promises to be a bright career. He just signing with the Eagles earlier this year.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Tahid has played on the global stage. He previously played for Canada in the U17 World Cup, and has since represented Ghana in the U20 African Cup of Nations. Back in 2023, he joined VFC, becoming the youngest player to sign and appear in a CPL match at 16, and then the youngest goal-scorer in league history.
This camp marks just the beginning of Canada's preparations for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The squad includes top young talents from around the world, many of whom are developing in elite environments. For Fotsing and Tahid alike, it’s a world-class setting to continue growing and sharpening his game.
Additionally, this is the first official gathering for players born in 2007. It also serves as a critical evaluation period ahead of the integration of Canada’s top 2008-born players, who will compete at the U-17 FIFA World Cup this November.
This milestone is not only a personal achievement for Fotsing but also a historic moment for Vancouver FC, said the team.
He now joins the ranks of Tahid, James Cameron, Grady McDonell, Kevin Podgorni, and others who exemplify the club’s commitment to identifying and developing local talent capable of competing on the international stage.
Kang will also be part of the camp, serving as tour manager with Canada Soccer.
Representing VFC at the international level, Kang will be responsible for overseeing the administration and logistics of the camp, playing a key role in supporting the team’s success off the pitch.
In the meantime, the Eagles are next in action today (Saturday, Aug. 30), in Ontario to take on Atletico Ottawa in a 4 p.m. game (PT).
Saturday’s matchup marks the fourth meeting between Vancouver and Atletico Ottawa this season. So far, the rivalry has remained evenly balanced: one win apiece and one draw.
Ottawa claimed victory in the second match of the season, while Vancouver surrendered a lead at home in their last league encounter, settling for a draw.
Most recently, however, VFC delivered a thrilling 3–1 win in Leg 1 of the Canadian championship semifinal, a result that remains fresh in both teams' minds.
Saturday's clash will be Vancouver’s first visit to Ottawa this season. It serves not only as a key league fixture but also as a strategic preview of the second leg of the Cup semifinal, scheduled for September. The match will be a crucial opportunity for Vancouver to assess how best to counter the league’s most lethal attack on their home turf.
Though the playoff dream seems to be slipping further out of reach with each passing week, VFC still has a mathematical chance.
Vancouver’s next home match will be against Valour FC on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Willoughby Stadium.
