Canada have reached the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the very first time, with Jesse Marsch having guided them through a historic group stage campaign.
The American coach, who lasted less than a year as Leeds United manager in the Premier League, has firmly silenced his doubters with this remarkable achievement.
His Leeds tenure ended in the 2022-23 season after a run of seven games without a win, despite him having kept the club in the top flight on the final day.
Marsch later described the decision to sack him as “foolish”, a word that now carries considerably more weight given his subsequent achievements on the international stage.
A move into international management seemed a natural next step, and when the United States head coach vacancy arose in 2024, Marsch believed the job was his for the taking.
Despite his conviction that he would be appointed, the USA hierarchy chose Mauricio Pochettino instead, a snub that clearly left a mark on the 52-year-old.
Soccer America journalist Scott French, who has previously worked with Marsch, told BBC Sport: “I think what happened with the USA role burns with him, but it burns with him in a way that helps him now.”
“He has a chip on his shoulder,” French added, suggesting that personal rejection has become a powerful motivating force throughout this campaign.
Canada offered Marsch the head coach position in May 2024, and he accepted with a pledge to “unite the Canadian soccer community” ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
He immediately threw himself into the role, travelling to nine cities in ten days, meeting fans and immersing himself in Canadian culture across the country.
One of the most telling stories of his early tenure involved his relationship with midfielder Liam Miller, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in late 2024.
Marsch made a point of visiting Miller regularly throughout his recovery, even inviting the player to spend time with him and his family at their home in Italy during rehabilitation.
Miller not only returned to full fitness but helped Hull City secure promotion back to the Premier League before becoming an important figure for Canada at this tournament.
“I’ve got to know all the players but Liam I have got to know really well and I think our relationship has become something that he has come to rely on,” Marsch said.
Canada’s group stage included a stunning 6-0 demolition of Qatar, after which Marsch paraded around the pitch holding up six fingers to celebrate with the supporters in emphatic fashion.
A defeat to Switzerland in the final group game cost Canada top spot and meant their last-32 fixture moved away from home soil to Los Angeles, where they now face South Africa.
Marsch’s decision to name Alphonso Davies on the bench before that Switzerland game as a tactical mind game ultimately backfired, with the coach admitting afterwards that the Bayern Munich star was never fit enough to play.
“I wanted Switzerland to have to think about him,” Marsch explained, adding that Switzerland’s pre-match press conference had included three questions about Davies.
French gave a vivid illustration of Marsch’s intensity, comparing him to David Beckham during his time at LA Galaxy in terms of emotional drive and competitive fire.
“He is an emotional guy and I think that emotion really carries with his players,” French said, adding that Marsch had displayed this quality throughout his entire career.
Marsch himself acknowledged the polarising effect he has on those around him with characteristic self-deprecating humour when speaking to reporters this week.
“The players know now either they have confidence in me or they are stuck with me,” he said, before reflecting on the collective pride driving Canada’s historic run.
“We are ready to rise to all the challenges and be our best,” he added, with Canada now ninety minutes away from reaching the last sixteen of a World Cup for the very first time.
