American soccer manager Jesse Marsch has faced backlash after proudly singing the Canadian national anthem ahead of a World Cup match. Marsch, who previously played for the U.S. national team and managed the Seattle Sounders FC and New York Red Bulls, now leads the Canadian men's national team. He was observed linking arms with his coaching staff and singing "O Canada" loudly during a pre-game ceremony in Los Angeles.
Online reactions on X, formerly Twitter, included accusations of Marsch being a "fake patriot" and "traitor" for singing the anthem of a rival nation. One user suggested he should be forced to live in a "51st state."
This incident follows previous comments by Marsch where he claimed he had to "beg" U.S. players to sing the "Star-Spangled Banner" before matches. He stated that while managing the Canadian team, he was impressed by the players' deep pride in representing their country and singing their anthem. "In the US sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem. These guys [Canada stars] belt it out to the top of their lungs because they want to show the country how proud they are to be Canadians," Marsch said.
However, former U.S. national team player Clint Dempsey disputed Marsch's assertion. Dempsey, who was part of the 2010 U.S. World Cup squad and is now working as a tournament analyst, stated he did not typically sing the anthem but would place his hand over his heart and pray. "I'm someone who's bled for this country. I broke my nose playing for this country. I've come back from two heart procedures and played for this country," Dempsey said. He questioned Marsch's loyalty as an American coaching a rival team, advising him to "stay in your own lane."
Fellow former U.S. player Thierry Henry also criticized Marsch's approach, suggesting that Marsch should not portray his team as underdogs given their talent. Henry argued that Marsch took over an established team and should embrace the expectations that come with managing Canada.
Marsch is the first American to manage Canada's men's soccer team and previously served as an assistant coach for the U.S. at the 2010 World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was also in attendance for the match.
