PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rayan Elloumi |
| Date of Birth | 2007/2008 (Age: 18) |
| Place of Birth | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Nationality | Tunisian / Canadian |
| Height | — |
| Weight | — |
| Position | Forward / Striker |
| Preferred Foot | — |
| Squad Number | #19 (Vancouver Whitecaps) |
| Current Club | Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
| Previous Clubs | BTB Soccer Academy |
| International Caps | 3 |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 (three-year deal signed 2025) |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup roster announcement. Tunisia, the Carthage Eagles, had assembled their 26-man squad for the tournament in North America. And among the names read out was an 18-year-old forward from Edmonton, Alberta—a player who had been eligible for both Canada and Tunisia.
Rayan Elloumi had made the bold decision to switch his international allegiance from Canada to Tunisia earlier in the year. Now, he was going to the World Cup. “It’s a big blessing because you can play for both countries, but at the same time it’s a little bit unique because, no matter who you choose, you always feel like you’re letting the other one down,” Elloumi said.
For the teenager who had only made his MLS debut in September 2025, the call-up was extraordinary. Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sørensen captured the magnitude of the moment: “Representing his country at the World Cup is exceptional. It’s so difficult to achieve. And for a young man of 18 who hasn’t even played a full season with us, I find it incredible.”
Origins
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, to Tunisian parents, Rayan Elloumi grew up in a household deeply connected to Tunisian culture. He first laced up skates as a young child, as most Canadian kids do, but he “absolutely hated being on skates”—his mother would bribe him with sweet buns from the local Safeway just to get him on the ice.
Lacing up soccer boots was a different story entirely. He fell in love with the game early and joined BTB Academy, one of the most recognised clubs in Edmonton. His talent was evident from the start. “When I first saw him, I thought he was a very good player,” said Kondeh Mansaray, BTB’s technical director. “He loves the game, he wants to get better. When you have a person like that, it’s just a matter of time till they reach where they are supposed to reach.”
Elloumi moved west to join the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy in August 2023. His rise through the system was rapid—he excelled with Whitecaps FC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, recording 11 goals and 7 assists in just 18 appearances, before signing a professional contract.
The European Forge
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2025–Present):
Elloumi signed his first professional contract, a three-year deal, with the Vancouver Whitecaps in September 2025. He made his MLS debut on September 13, 2025, against the Philadelphia Union, scoring his first MLS goal as a substitute.
In the 2025/26 season, Elloumi has made 17 MLS appearances, recording 2 goals. His second goal of the season came in August 2026 against the Seattle Sounders, a clinical one-on-one finish from an Emmanuel Sabbi pass that opened the scoring in a 2-0 victory. He was also part of the Vancouver side that reached the 2025 MLS Cup Final.
Tunisia National Team (2026–Present):
Elloumi’s international journey began with Canada. He earned a call-up to Canada’s senior camp in January 2025 and even started a friendly against Guatemala. However, he ultimately filed a one-time switch to represent Tunisia—the country of his parents’ heritage.
He made his debut for Tunisia during the March 2026 international window, making a positive impression on head coach Sabri Lamouchi. He also scored a goal for Tunisia at the U23 level in a friendly against Iraq in October 2025.
On May 15, 2026, Elloumi was named to Tunisia’s final 26-man World Cup roster for the tournament in North America. He is the youngest player in the Tunisian squad.
The Anatomy of His Game
Rayan Elloumi is an exciting young forward known for his pace, technical ability, and clinical finishing. His playing style has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.
In Possession:
Elloumi is a composed finisher who can beat defenders one-on-one. His goal against the Seattle Sounders—a one-on-one finish into the far corner—showcased his ability to convert when through on goal. His 11 goals and 7 assists in 18 MLS NEXT Pro appearances for Whitecaps FC 2 demonstrate his attacking productivity. However, his two goals in 17 MLS appearances suggest he is still adapting to the speed and physicality of the top flight.
Out of Possession:
Elloumi is a hard-working forward who contributes to the team’s pressing game. At 18, his physical development is still ongoing, and he will need to continue building strength to compete consistently against senior defenders.
Psychological Edge:
Elloumi’s decision to switch his international allegiance from Canada to Tunisia required conviction and courage. He chose the opportunity to play at the World Cup at 18 over the possibility of waiting for a senior Canada call-up. “I think I would have needed a couple of more years to develop to really become the player I want to be before I made that group,” he said of Canada’s forward depth. His maturity in handling the international switch has been praised by coaches and mentors.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS | 17 | 2 | 0 | — |
| MLS NEXT Pro (WFC2) | 18 | 11 | 7 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | — | — | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season/Period | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Whitecaps FC 2 | MLS NEXT Pro | 18 | 11 |
| 2025–2026 | Vancouver Whitecaps | MLS | 17 | 2 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 35 | 13 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | — | — |
| Tunisia U23 | — | 1 | — |
| Tunisia Senior Career | 3 | 0 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Joined Whitecaps Academy | Moved from BTB Soccer Academy |
| 2025 | MLS NEXT Pro Breakthrough | 11 goals, 7 assists in 18 appearances |
| 2025 | MLS Debut | Scored first MLS goal vs Philadelphia Union |
| 2025 | MLS Cup Finalist | Vancouver Whitecaps |
| 2025 | Signed Professional Contract | Three-year deal with Vancouver |
| 2026 | Tunisia Senior Debut | March international window |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Tunisia’s 26-man squad |
What these figures reveal is a player who has experienced a meteoric rise in a short period. Elloumi has gone from the Whitecaps Academy to the World Cup in just over two years. His 11 goals in 18 MLS NEXT Pro appearances demonstrate his goalscoring pedigree, and his MLS record—2 goals in 17 appearances—shows a player still finding his feet at the top level. His selection for the World Cup at 18 years old is a testament to his potential and the faith of Tunisia’s coaching staff.
The Present Tense
Rayan Elloumi is 18 years old and at the start of what promises to be an exciting career. He is a Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward and a member of Tunisia’s 2026 World Cup squad.
The Vancouver Story:
Elloumi signed his first professional contract with Vancouver in September 2025. In the 2025/26 season, he has made 17 MLS appearances and scored 2 goals, including a crucial strike against the Seattle Sounders in August 2026. He was part of the Whitecaps side that reached the 2025 MLS Cup Final. He is under contract with the club until 2028.
The World Cup Campaign:
Elloumi was named to Sabri Lamouchi’s 26-man Tunisia squad for the 2026 World Cup. He is the youngest player in the squad. Tunisia are in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden. He made his debut for Tunisia in March 2026 and made a positive impression on the coaching staff, earning his place in the final roster.
International Record:
Elloumi has 3 caps for Tunisia and is yet to score a senior international goal. He represented Canada at the senior level in January 2025 before filing a one-time switch to Tunisia. He has also played for Tunisia at the U23 level, scoring one goal.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Rayan Elloumi is a symbol of the complex international identities that define modern football. Born in Canada to Tunisian parents, he had the opportunity to represent either nation. The decision weighed heavily on him, but the prospect of playing at the World Cup at 18 ultimately drew him to Tunisia.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Tunisian national team. I think it’s the dream of every child like me who grew up in a Tunisian family, even here in Canada,” he told Radio Canada International.
His coach at BTB Academy, Kondeh Mansaray, described his journey as a reflection of the club’s mission. “The reason BTB started was to give opportunities for kids to live out their dreams,” he said.
Elloumi is close to his family, and their reaction to his World Cup selection was emotional. “My mom was crying and just said to me: ‘Congratulations!’ And then we all burst into tears,” he recalled.
The Verdict from the Camp
Jesper Sørensen, Vancouver Whitecaps head coach:
“Representing his country at the World Cup is exceptional. It’s so difficult to achieve. And for a young man of 18 who hasn’t even played a full season with us, I find it incredible.”
Kondeh Mansaray, BTB Academy Technical Director:
“To know that we’re going to see him on television, playing at the World Cup, it’s very rewarding. The reason BTB started was to give opportunities for kids to live out their dreams.”
Rayan Elloumi, Tunisia forward:
“I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Tunisian national team. I think it’s the dream of every child like me who grew up in a Tunisian family, even here in Canada.”
“My decision to play for Tunisia was always an open conversation. I was never really pressured into it. I had great conversations with not only my agent, but coaches on both sides… It was really just my decision, and I felt it was the right decision for me to go play, and also to play in World Cup at 18 years old is an insane opportunity, I think.”
Statistic:
Elloumi is the youngest player in Tunisia’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Statistic:
Elloumi scored 11 goals and provided 7 assists in 18 MLS NEXT Pro appearances.
Statistic:
Elloumi has 3 caps for Tunisia’s senior national team.
Where Next?
Rayan Elloumi is 18 years old and has a bright future ahead of him. He is under contract with Vancouver Whitecaps FC until 2028 and is expected to continue his development in MLS. His World Cup selection has raised his profile significantly, and he will be one to watch in the coming years.
For Tunisia, Elloumi represents an exciting talent for the future. Tunisia’s forward line lacks depth, and Elloumi’s goalscoring ability could be a long-term solution. With 3 senior caps already and a World Cup campaign under his belt, he is expected to play an increasingly important role for the Carthage Eagles in the coming years.
From Edmonton to the World Cup, Rayan Elloumi’s journey is one of bold choices, rapid progression, and the power of heritage. The boy who hated skates and fell in love with soccer has chosen to represent his roots on the biggest stage of all—and his story is only beginning.
