Canadian men's national team coach Jesse Marsch has definitively closed the door on the possibility of leading his home country's soccer team.
Marsch, an American citizen, was previously a finalist for the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) coaching position after Gregg Berhalter's contract expired following the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, the US Soccer Federation re-hired Berhalter, leading Marsch to seek opportunities elsewhere.
He subsequently took the helm for Canada, guiding them to their first World Cup win, their first knockout stage victory, and their first appearance in the Round of 16. In an interview with Time Magazine, Marsch, who lives abroad, expressed his lack of interest in the USMNT role.
"I'm proud to be an American," Marsch stated when asked about coaching Canada on the Fourth of July. "But I'm an expat. I live in Italy, I live in Mexico. I haven't celebrated the Fourth of July in I don't even know how long."
Marsch was direct in addressing speculation about his interest in the USMNT job. "People like to say, “Oh, he wishes he coached the national team.” Let me make it really clear: I never will coach the U.S. national team. Ever. And that's no problem."
He added, "There was the possibility of me at one point, but I'm done with it. I don't even care anymore. I don't wish ill will against the U.S. I want the U.S. to do well."
Marsch emphasized his current focus is on his work with the Canadian team, particularly their upcoming Round of 16 match against Morocco. "So what will I be thinking on July 4? I will be thinking, I hope I've done everything I can to give my team the best chance to win this match. There's nothing else to it."
He concluded by explaining his passionate sideline demeanor. "Even if people want to talk about why do I talk in the middle [of the field], or why do I get emotional on the bench, or whatever, it’s because this is who I am. This is what I care about. That's it."
Marsch and his Canada team are scheduled to play Morocco in Houston as part of the World Cup's Round of 16.