Marsch rules out USA return as American-born coach leads Canada into last 16

Jesse Marsch has firmly ruled out ever managing the United States men’s national team, insisting he has moved on from American football entirely after guiding Canada into the World Cup’s last 16 for the first time in their history.

The Wisconsin-born coach was once considered a leading candidate to take charge of the USA after Gregg Berhalter’s contract expired following the 2022 World Cup. However, despite a scandal surrounding Berhalter, US Soccer opted to reappoint him, leaving Marsch to look elsewhere for his next opportunity.

That opportunity came north of the border. The former RB Leipzig and Leeds United manager has since led Canada to their first-ever World Cup win, their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match, and now their first appearance in the Round of 16.

An expat with no interest in the USA job

Speaking to Time Magazine, Marsch was asked how it feels to be leading Canada into a knockout tie on the Fourth of July, which this year falls on the 250th anniversary of American independence from Great Britain.

“I’m proud to be an American,” Marsch said. “But I’m an expat. I live in Italy, I live in Mexico. I haven’t celebrated the Fourth of July in I don’t even know how long.”

The comments make clear that, despite his nationality, Marsch views his footballing future as firmly separate from US Soccer, with Canada now the focus of his managerial ambitions.

Historic run for Canada

Marsch’s appointment in Canada has already delivered a series of firsts for a nation more commonly associated with ice hockey than football on the world stage. Under his management, Les Rouges have recorded their maiden World Cup win, followed it up with their first success in a knockout fixture, and now find themselves preparing for a last-16 tie.

It represents a remarkable turnaround for a coach who left European football, most recently at Leeds United, before finding a fresh project with Canada Soccer. His previous stints included spells at RB Leipzig in Germany, further cementing his reputation as a well-travelled figure in the modern game.

Read more: World Cup 2026: Full UK TV guide to every knockout fixture on BBC and ITV

With Canada now among the last 16 nations remaining in the tournament, Marsch’s decision to steer clear of the USA job looks set to remain a talking point among fans on both sides of the border as the World Cup enters its most decisive stage.