Jesse Marsch says Donald Trump’s “ridiculous rhetoric” regarding Canada becoming the United States’ 51st state will fuel his side should they meet the USMNT in the CONCACAF Nations League final.
Trump has talked openly about annexing their northern neighbors since regaining the presidency but his words have infuriated Marsch, the head coach of the Canada national team who was born in Wisconsin and played twice for the US.
Jesse Marsch issues a message to U.S. President Donald Trump 🎙️
“Lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state; as an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.”#USMNT |… pic.twitter.com/m0ls8F6aAj
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) February 26, 2025
The former Leeds United boss said: “If I have one message to our president, it’s lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state.
“As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.”
📰 Table Of Contents
The nations could clash next month
The subject will gain traction – at least in football circles – should Canada and the US meet next month.
Canada first have to get past Mexico on March 21 with the US facing Panama in their semi-final. The title game takes place on March 24 in Inglewood, California.
“Canada is a strong, independent nation that is deep-rooted in decency and it’s a place that values high ethics and respect, unlike the polarised, disrespectful and often now hateful climate that is in the US,” Marsch added.
“It’s one of the things that I’ve enjoyed the most about our team, is that they exemplify this as human beings and as a team … So for me right now I couldn’t be prouder to be the Canadian national team coach. I found a place that embodies, for me, the ideals and morals of what not just football and a team is, but what life is, and that’s integrity, respect and the belief that good people can do great things together.
“When I look forward to a month from now I know this will fuel our team, the mentality and will that we have to play for our country, the desire to go after this tournament in every way and to show on and off the pitch exactly what Canadian character is.”
Explosive Ice Hockey clashes
Tensions have risen across other sporting fixtures between Canada and the US with games between the two at the recent 4 Nations ice-hockey tournament marred by on-ice brawls and the booing of the two national anthems.
Canada emerged victorious, with prime minister Justin Trudeau writing on X: “You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our game.”
