Former Leeds United and RB Leipzig manager, Jesse Marsch, has made headlines by expressing his preference for coaching the Canadian national team over the U.S. national team at this point in his career. In a surprising statement, Marsch revealed that the Canadian side’s recent progress and the overall potential of their squad have piqued his interest more than the current U.S. setup. This sentiment comes as both national teams prepare for major international tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Why Jesse Marsch Prefers Canada Right Now
Marsch, who has been a prominent figure in American soccer, has always been linked with the U.S. national team coaching job. However, he pointed to the rapid development of Canadian soccer in recent years, particularly under coach John Herdman, as a key reason for his interest. Canada’s historic qualification for the 2022 World Cup—its first appearance since 1986—was a landmark achievement, showcasing the team’s growth and potential on the global stage.
With young stars like Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) and Jonathan David (Lille) leading the charge, Canada has developed a squad capable of competing at the highest level. Marsch believes that the Canadian national team is in a more exciting phase, with fresh talent and untapped potential that could be molded into a powerhouse ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
U.S. Team Struggles and Uncertainty
While the U.S. men’s national team has a rich history in CONCACAF and has produced top players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, Marsch expressed concerns about the team’s current trajectory. He highlighted issues with consistency, the frequent coaching changes, and questions surrounding the development of younger players as key factors in his reservations about taking on the U.S. coaching role right now.
The U.S. team had a mixed performance at the 2022 World Cup, exiting in the Round of 16. Though the team showed promise, it struggled to find cohesion at times, raising questions about its readiness to compete on a global level in the coming years. Marsch feels that the U.S. setup is still figuring out its identity, whereas Canada is on a more defined upward trajectory.
Marsch’s Coaching Career and International Ambitions
Jesse Marsch has enjoyed a successful coaching career in Europe and the U.S., having managed RB Salzburg, RB Leipzig, and Leeds United. Known for his high-energy, pressing style of play, Marsch has garnered respect for his tactical intelligence and ability to get the most out of his players. However, after his recent departure from Leeds United, Marsch is now eyeing his next move, and the prospect of international coaching is clearly on his radar.
While Marsch remains open to coaching the U.S. national team in the future, he has expressed a growing interest in taking on the challenge of guiding Canada’s team to success. The allure of shaping a team with a new generation of stars and helping Canada build on its recent momentum could be a deciding factor in his future coaching decision.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup
With the 2026 World Cup being co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, the stakes are high for both nations. Marsch believes that this shared tournament will be a golden opportunity for Canada to shine on home soil. He sees the potential to elevate Canadian soccer to new heights and inspire a new generation of fans and players across the country.
For the U.S., the 2026 World Cup presents an equally critical moment. However, Marsch is not convinced that the U.S. is fully ready to seize the opportunity. Despite the team’s talent pool, he feels that more development and a clearer sense of direction are needed to compete at the level required to make a deep run in the tournament.
Jesse Marsch’s preference for the Canadian national team over the U.S. underscores the growing strength and potential of Canadian soccer. With a talented crop of young players and a historic World Cup on the horizon, Marsch sees Canada as a more attractive coaching opportunity at this stage of his career. Whether he ultimately takes on the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Canada’s rise in international football is garnering attention from some of the sport’s most respected figures.
As both teams gear up for the 2026 World Cup, Marsch’s comments add an interesting layer to the narrative of North American football and the fierce competition to become a leading force in the region.
