Canada’s men’s national soccer team has appointed American coach Jesse Marsch as its new head coach, signing him on a contract that extends through the 2026 World Cup.
Marsch, aged 50, assumes the role ahead of the Copa América tournament, where Canada is scheduled to face defending champions Argentina in the opening match on June 20. He succeeds John Herdman, who departed last year to take charge of Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. During the interim period, assistant coach Mauro Biello oversaw team affairs.
With Canada set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, Marsch inherits a team with an automatic qualification spot. The Canadian squad’s last World Cup appearance was in 2022, marking their return to the tournament after a 36-year absence. However, they faced tough competition and went winless, losing to Belgium, Croatia, and Morocco.
The Canada Soccer Association acknowledged the financial contributions from the owners of Canada’s three MLS teams — Toronto FC, Montreal Impact, and Vancouver Whitecaps — which facilitated Marsch’s hiring.
Marsch’s coaching career includes stints as a player for Princeton and in Major League Soccer with D.C. United, Chicago Fire, and Chivas USA. He transitioned into coaching as an assistant for the U.S. national team under Bob Bradley from 2010 to 2011. Marsch then served as the inaugural head coach of MLS’s Montreal Impact from 2011 to 2012.
His coaching experience extends to leading the New York Red Bulls from 2015 to 2018, followed by successful spells with Red Bull Salzburg from 2019 to 2021, RB Leipzig in 2021, and Leeds United in 2022-2023.
