Canada coach Jesse Marsch unleashes stunning attack on Trump and home country ahead of potential US showdown

Canada men’s soccer coach Jesse Marsch slammed US President Donald Trump on Wednesday for his ‘insulting’ and ‘ridiculous’ suggestions that the United States should make their Northern neighbors its 51st state.

Trump has repeatedly said that Canada should be annexed, going as far as to call Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ‘Governor.’

That rhetoric was slammed by Wisconsin native Marsch during the CONCACAF Nations League media day, as he also railed against the ‘hate-fueled climate’ in the US.

‘If I have one message to our President [Trump] it’s: lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state,’ he said. 

‘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.’

The former Leeds, RB Leipzig and New York Red Bulls coach, 51, added that Canada was a ‘strong independent nation that’s deep-rooted in decency.

Trump has repeatedly suggested annexing Canada as a 51st state to the USA

‘And 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.’ 

Marsch also mentioned how a majority of his Canada national team players are either or first- or second-generation Canadians, and spoke about the importance of diversity.

His Canada side could face the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League Finals if the Maple Leafs beat Mexico in the semifinals, and if the United States beat Panama.

‘Canada values a lot of fairness and unity. It’s a place – that I’ve learned as the national team coach – where people really believe that their differences make them stronger.

He later continued ‘They [his players] uniquely are incredibly proud to be Canadian, to represent their country, to give everything to each other, and the love that they have for each other and playing for their country.’

Marsch was hired as Canada’s men’s coach in May 2024, and led the team to a 2-1 friendly victory over the Americans in September.

He later shepherded the team to a fourth place finish in the US-hosted Copa America, while the United States crashed out in the group stage.

The coach said that the recent rhetoric regarding the annexation of Canada will ‘fuel’ his team as they prepare to face Mexico on March 20, and potentially the US on March 23.

‘For me, right now, I couldn’t be prouder to be the Canadian national team head coach,’ Marsch said. ‘And I found a place that embodies 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.’ 

Marsch’s comments come after a pair of tense hockey matchups between the US Canada in the newly-created 4 Nations Face-Off.

Before the first meeting, in Montreal, the singing of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ was booed, while American fans returned the favor prior to the tournament final in Boston.

More to follow