Former Premier League Manager Jesse Marsch Named Head Coach of Canadian Men's National Team

On Monday, May 13, it was announced that Jesse Marsch, a former Premier League tactician, will be taking over as the head coach of the Canadian men's national team. Marsch, an American, will join Canada Soccer just in time for June's Copa America, which will be held on U.S. soil. His contract will keep him at the helm through the 2026 World Cup, which is co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Marsch's first games as head coach of Canada will be the June friendlies against the Netherlands and France, followed by the Copa America. The team is set to play against reigning champions Argentina in the tournament's opening match on June 20 in Atlanta, and will wrap up their group stage campaign against Peru in Kansas City and Chile in Orlando.

This appointment marks Marsch's return to a managerial role since February 2023, when he was fired by Leeds United after a year in charge and shortly before the team was relegated from the Premier League. In the interim period, Marsch has been involved as a co-host for Call It What You Want on CBS Sports Golazo Network, where the focus is on all things related to the USMNT.

Prior to his time with Leeds United, Marsch had a spell with Red Bull Salzburg and served as an assistant at RB Leipzig, which significantly raised his profile before his move to England. His coaching career began as an assistant to the U.S. men's national team, and he was part of the staff that achieved the round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup. Marsch then moved on to managerial roles in the MLS with CF Montreal and the New York Red Bulls. He was also in consideration to become the USMNT head coach last year, during the federation's candidate interviews for the role. Ultimately, Gregg Berhalter was re-hired after leading the team to a round of 16 finish at the 2022 World Cup.

Transition Period and New Leadership

This appointment brings an end to Canada's extensive search for a new head coach. John Herdman, who had been in charge for a five-year spell, including the 2022 World Cup where Canada qualified for the tournament for the first time in 36 years, left the post in August. However, despite the qualification, Canada exited the competition in the group stage, experiencing three losses and being outscored seven to two in three games.

Canada Soccer's Financial Update

Marsch will officially assume the role of the MLS Canada men's national team head coach, reflecting the philanthropic contributions made by the owners of MLS' three Canadian teams - Montreal, Toronto FC, and the Vancouver Whitecaps. In addition to these contributions, other private donors have also participated as part of a major gifts program for all of Canada Soccer's national teams. This development is particularly noteworthy in light of financial troubles at the governing body, which has faced challenges due to a financial scandal and subsequent budget cuts and restructures in recent years.

A financial scandal at Canada Soccer has been ongoing and revolves around a deal signed with a private company called Canada Soccer Business (CSB), which acquired the rights to sell broadcasting and sponsorship rights for Canada Soccer from 2019 to 2027, in exchange for an annual fee that rises to $2.56 million in 2027. This has led to budget cuts and restructures, as well as labor disputes from both the men's and women's national teams ahead of their respective World Cups in 2022 and 2023. The deal has also been the subject of parliamentary hearings and a lawsuit filed by the union representing players on the women's national team against past and present members of Canada Soccer's board.

Reflecting on the financial constraints, Herdman had previously expressed concerns about Canada Soccer's utilization of talent, especially after the team's loss to the USMNT in the Concacaf Nations League final last June. He emphasized the need for a serious approach to capitalize on the talent available and to aim for success in international competitions, stating, "We've got the best generation of players we've had, and there's more coming. We've got to figure this out financially. We've got to get serious about winning a World Cup."