The Canadian Men's National Team head coach isn't having the 51st state discourse.
Speaking at Concacaf Nations League Finals Media Day, Jesse Marsch was asked his thoughts on the ongoing political discussions between the two countries, as well as him being an American who's coaching the Canadian National Team.
"I find the 51st state discourse unsettling and frankly insulting," Marsch said.
"Canada is a strong, independent nation that is deep-rooted in decency. It's a place that values high ethics and respect, unlike the polarized, disrespectful, and often now hate-fueled climate that's in the US,"
"For me, right now, I couldn't be prouder to be the Canadian national team head coach. I found a place that embodies the ideals and morals of not just what football is, but what life is–that's integrity, respect, and the belief that good people can do greater things together,"
"If I have one message to [Donald Trump], it's; ‘Lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state; as an American, I'm ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we've shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.’”
Jesse Marsch issues a message to U.S. President Donald Trump ???
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) February 26, 2025
"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
A bit under a month from now, Canada will take on Mexico south of the border in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, the United States will clash with Panama.
Les Rouges and the US will have the chance to meet in either the 3rd-place match or the grand finale, in what would be a rematch of the 2023 Concacaf Nations League final.
