Soccer Canada introduced the new head coach of its men’s national team, Jesse Marsch, during a press conference on Monday.
The newcomer succeeds John Herdman, who left the national team to manage Toronto FC last summer. Since then, Quebecer Mauro Biello has taken over the interim role.
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According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Marsch’s contract will expire in 2026, the year of the next Soccer World Cup.
“I am very excited. Through this process, the conversations impressed me from the beginning. Soccer Canada has a bright future. We have to be at our best for the 2026 World Cup. I am very excited to get started,” said the new head coach.
Kevin Blue, general secretary and president and CEO of Soccer Canada, introduced Marsch as an “important piece of success” for his organization.
Marsch played several seasons in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a midfielder before making the jump to coaching in 2010 as an assistant with the US men’s national team.
He then obtained the position of pilot of the Montreal Impact (2011-2012). Then, the man managed the New York Red Bulls (2015-2018), before making the jump to Europe. On the “Old Continent”, Marsch was the head coach of Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) and Leeds United (England). He lost the latter job in February 2023.
Objective: 2026 World Cup
The 50-year-old will be on duty for the team’s upcoming friendly matches ahead of the Copa América. The maple leaf has an appointment with the Netherlands and France on June 6 and 9.
“Playing against Argentina to start will be a big challenge, but quite an opportunity. The key will be to define our identity for each match and each training session,” Marsch explained.
The coach stressed that the experience he gained during the 2010 World Cup will help him prepare his players for that of 2026. He reiterated his confidence in the potential of his group of players.
“I like to play in transition, to be dynamic. This group has both: speed and athleticism. The key for us will be collective play,” believes the Wisconsin native. He added that his way of teaching is not to “create confusion with tactics and concepts,” but to “empower them.”
Additionally, Marsch explained that he not only wants to aim for the World Cup in 2026, but also to “continue to grow,” “push this project even further,” and “bring the nation together.”
The Montreal influence
Having coached the Impact during his first year in MLS in 2012, Jesse Marsch kept memories of his time in Montreal.
“I spoke French in Montreal, I know Canada, I lived here. I understand multiculturalism and the passion for this sport. It helped me understand how to take this country to the World Cup. My experience in Montreal helped me,” said the new coach.
Canada will also host this event, along with the United States and Mexico.
