In a groundbreaking move for Canadian soccer, Jesse Marsch has been named the new head coach of Canada’s men’s national soccer squad, securing a contract that extends through the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement comes just ahead of the Copa América, where Canada is set to clash with reigning champions Argentina in the tournament’s opening fixture on June 20. Marsch steps into the role vacated by John Herdman, who departed last year to lead Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. In the interim, assistant coach Mauro Biello held the reins.
Canada, co-hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, has secured an automatic berth for the prestigious tournament. Their return to the global stage in 2022, after a 36-year absence, was marked by valiant efforts but ultimately resulted in early exits, facing defeats against Belgium, Croatia, and Morocco.
The Canada Soccer Association revealed that financial backing from the owners of Canada’s three MLS franchises – Toronto FC, CF Montreal, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC – facilitated Marsch’s appointment.
Marsch’s soccer journey encompasses a playing career that saw him don the jerseys of Princeton University, as well as Major League Soccer clubs like D.C. United, Chicago Fire, and Chivas USA. Transitioning into coaching, he served as an assistant under Bob Bradley for the United States national team from 2010 to 2011. Following this, he took on the inaugural head coaching role for MLS’s Montreal Impact from 2011 to 2012.
His coaching voyage continued with successful spells at the New York Red Bulls from 2015 to 2018, Red Bull Salzburg from 2019 to 2021, RB Leipzig in 2021, and Leeds United from 2022 to 2023.
Marsch’s appointment injects a potent blend of experience and expertise into the Canadian national team setup as they embark on their journey towards the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.
