Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has launched a blistering attack on US President Donald Trump, describing his comments about Canada becoming the 51st state as 'ridiculous rhetoric' and saying he is 'ashamed' of the US's treatment of its northern neighbour. Speaking in Los Angeles ahead of the Concacaf Nations League finals, the American-born coach said the discourse was 'unsettling and frankly insulting'.
Marsch, who grew up in Wisconsin and previously coached Leeds United and RB Leipzig, said: 'As an American, I'm ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we've shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.' He added that Canada is 'a strong, independent nation deeply rooted in decency', contrasting it with the 'polarized, disrespectful and often hate-fueled climate' in the US.
Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada could become the 51st state and proposed tariffs that experts warn could trigger a trade war. The comments have already spilled into sport, with the US national anthem booed at NHL and NBA games in Canada, and a political edge to the recent 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament.
Marsch, who took over Canada in 2024, said tournaments like the Nations League 'mean something different now' given the political climate. Canada face Mexico in the semi-final on 20 March, with a potential meeting against the US in the final or third-place match on 23 March. 'This will fuel our team,' Marsch said. 'We have a desire to show on and off the pitch exactly what Canadian character is.'
US Soccer president Oguchi Onyewu, standing in for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, declined to respond directly to Marsch's comments, saying he was focused on promoting the tournament.
