Jesse Marsch has earned his place in the history books. The Canadian national team, under his guidance, have reached the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time – and on Sunday they will face South Africa in Los Angeles for a place in the last 16.
It is a remarkable turnaround for a coach who was derided by Leeds fans and snubbed by his own country. Marsch lasted less than a year in the Premier League as Leeds boss, keeping them up on the final day of the 2022-23 season only to be sacked a few months later after a run of seven games without a win. He later described the decision as "foolish".
“Jesse Marsch leads Canada to first World Cup knockout stage after being sacked by Leeds and snubbed by USA.”
The 52-year-old had long held an ambition to coach at the highest level, and another chance came in 2024 with the USA job. Despite believing the role was his, the USA hierarchy instead appointed Mauricio Pochettino. The rejection stung. "I think what happened with the USA role burns with him, but it burns with him in a way that helps him now," said Scott French of Soccer America, who has previously worked with Marsch. "He has a chip on his shoulder."
Canada offered Marsch the position in May 2024, and he took it with the promise to "unite the Canadian soccer community" and have the team competitive for the 2026 World Cup. He threw himself into the role, travelling to nine cities in 10 days, holding meetings with fans and soaking up Canadian culture. He also worked on developing deep personal connections with his players, making individual visits or inviting them and their families to his home in Italy for holidays.
One example of his influence involves midfielder Liam Miller, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in late 2024. At times Miller questioned whether he would return to his former level, but Marsch spent significant time visiting him and checking in, even when Miller was undergoing rehabilitation in Italy.
The hard yards have paid off. Canada thumped Qatar 6-0 to top their group, and Marsch is well on his way to achieving his goal of making Canada a footballing nation. For a coach who has faced difficult moments – being dismissed by Leeds, passed over by the USA – he appears to have found his home.