The man behind Canada’s historic run

Jesse Marsch has led Canada into the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history. On Sunday, they face South Africa in Los Angeles with a chance to reach the last 16.

For the American coach, this moment is personal. It comes after being fired by Leeds United and passed over for the US men’s national team job.

A rocky road to Canada

Marsch kept Leeds in the Premier League on the final day of the 2022-23 season. Months later, he was sacked after a seven-game winless run. He called the decision “foolish.”

Then came the US job. Marsch believed it was his. Instead, US Soccer chose Mauricio Pochettino. The rejection stung, but it became fuel.

“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. “He has a chip on his shoulder.”

Building something from scratch

Marsch took the Canada job in May 2024 with a promise to “unite the Canadian soccer community.” He immediately threw himself into the role.

He traveled to nine cities in 10 days, meeting fans and absorbing Canadian culture. He visited players at their homes. When midfielder Liam Miller was recovering from an ACL injury in Italy, Marsch invited him to stay with his family.

Miller not only returned to full fitness but helped Hull City win promotion to the Premier League. He is now a key player for Canada at this World Cup.

The highs and lows

Canada’s group stage included a dominant 6-0 win over Qatar. Marsch celebrated by holding up six fingers to the crowd — the kind of emotion that makes him polarizing.

“Some people think it is an act,” said French. “I don’t think it is an act at all, I think Jesse is always Jesse.”

But it has not been perfect. A loss to Switzerland cost Canada first place in their group and the chance to stay in Canada for the knockout round. Marsch tried mind games by putting Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies on the bench, but Davies was never fit enough to play.

Why it matters for US fans

Marsch’s story hits close to home for American fans. He was one of their own — a US coach who wanted to lead the national team. Instead, he took a neighboring country’s job and is now outperforming expectations.

Canada face South Africa on Sunday. A win would make this World Cup run from “very good” to “great” in Marsch’s words.

“We are ready to rise to all the challenges and be our best,” Marsch said. “We live for these moments where we are tested and can show how good we are.”