Canadian coach Jesse Marsch admits he “had to beg” US players to sing their own national anthem in the past, ahead of both teams’ World Cup openers.
Marsch is the first US native to lead the Canadian side, after being appointed to the job in 2024.
A number of his key players, while representing Canada, spend most of their time elsewhere, usually in the US playing Major League Soccer.
Speaking at his pre-game press conference, Marsch however said he’s found the Canadian players all have much more pride in their country than corresponding US players, back when he was a part of their coaching staff.
He’s had far fewer issues getting them to show pride for their nation, in a pointed blow to the fellow host nation.
“When I first came, I had to learn about what it meant to be Canadian,” he said.
“Being a leader in this sport, I’ve always tried to create an environment where our differences make us stronger, not weaker.
“Every one of these boys is incredibly Canadian and the pride they have in putting on the jersey, representing the country, hearing the national anthem … in the US sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem.
“These guys belt it out to the top of their lungs because they want to show the country how proud they are to be here, to be Canadians and to represent what Canada is.”
Marsch added that a home World Cup is “special” and that they’re excited for the pressure that comes with that.
“Nobody here is afraid of that. Actually, this is why we’re doing it. Yeah, it’s responsibility, yeah, it’s pressure, but that’s what we want, it’s meaningful,” he said.
“I love sitting on that coach’s box when the stadium’s full, the pressure is on and everyone thinks you’re an idiot.”
Jesse Marsch of Canada. Getty