After AFCON Exit, Tunisia Faces a Talent Tug-of-War as Canada Recruits a Rising Dual-National
7 January 2026
AFCON Exit Sparks Reflection for Tunisia
Recent days have brought deep disappointment to Tunisian fans after the Carthage Eagles were knocked out in the quarterfinals of AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
This early exit comes at a time when the team needs a squad refresh, especially with World Cup 2026 qualification looming in a tough group that includes the Netherlands and Japan, with a European playoff winner still to be determined.
In this context, the rise of young striker Ryan Lomi illustrates the challenges facing Tunisian football in attracting dual-national talents.
Lomi’s Move to Canada and the Dual-National Dilemma
The Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on its official channels that three players would join the Canadian national team in the forthcoming training camp, including bright winger Ryan Lomi.
Lomi's call-up to Canada sparked shock among Tunisian circles, as the rising talent had been strongly tipped to represent his homeland in future competitions after starring for the Tunisia Olympic team against Iraq Under-23 in September.
Lomi was not included in the Carthage Eagles' AFCON 2025 squad, and it appears the player is reconsidering his international options, ultimately opting to join Canada.
Born in September 2007 in Alberta, Canada, and holder of Tunisian and Canadian citizenship, Lomi is among Vancouver Whitecaps' brightest prospects, playing alongside German legend Thomas Müller.
The youngster advanced through the academy before breaking into the first team at the start of the current season, scoring important goals in the MLS.
Meanwhile, Tunisian fans are left hoping for a brighter pipeline of dual nationals who choose to wear the national colors.
Canada's football setup will hope his dual heritage fuels a successful international chapter, and for Lomi, destiny seems set on a Canadian path for now, which means more fireworks in MLS and perhaps a few more social media debates.
Punchline time: If talent were passports, Lomi just handed Tunisia a red, white, and border-crossing combo—talk about a global transfer window in a single career. And yes, the sequel might feature a bilingual anthem remix: “One country, two flags, and a lot of homework on citizenship paperwork.”
