Marsch’s candid take: USA’s path to Round of 16 not his concern

LOS ANGELES STADIUM — A U.S. representative is set to advance to the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jesse Marsch, Canada’s head coach and former U.S. assistant under Bob Bradley in 2010, secured Canada’s first knockout‑stage victory at the 2026 tournament, as his side defeated South Africa 1‑0 in the 91st minute thanks to a goal by veteran midfielder Stephen Eustáquio.

Canada’s Stephen Eustáquio scores goal in stoppage time to advance to Round of 16 | 2026 FIFA World Cup

Canada will now contest a quarterfinal berth against the winner of Monday’s round‑of‑32 match between three‑time World Cup runner‑up Netherlands and Morocco, a team that reached the semifinals in Qatar four years ago.

Prior to this summer, Canada had never progressed beyond the group stage or recorded a World Cup win. Their historic run — part of a tournament co‑hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — started without fanfare.

Expected to beat plucky Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 in the first World Cup match played on Canadian soil, Marsch’s team settled for a come-from-behind 1‑1 tie in Toronto that kept them from topping a group that also contained Qatar and Switzerland.

(Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Bosnia now stands between the United States and a spot alongside Canada in the round of 16. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will meet the Golden Lilies on Wednesday in the San Francisco Bay Area. While a potential trap game looms, Marsch, the former Premier League and Bundesliga manager who was overlooked for the U.S. coaching position in 2023, expressed little concern about his homeland’s prospects.

“Doug, I appreciate your question,” he said when asked about potential pitfalls for Pochettino’s side against Bosnia. “But I’m not concerned.”

That did not deter the Princeton University alumnus and former Chicago Fire captain, who earned two caps for the United States, from offering his perspective.

“It’s up to the United States to determine its path, and they can learn from Bosnia’s matches,” he added. “I know several players on their squad, and Bosnia is a tenacious group; they were not easy opponents. I praised them after the game, and I expect any opponent they face to provide a tough contest.”

Sunday’s match took place in Southern California after Canada finished second in Group B. All three of Canada’s opening games were held north of the border — victories over Qatar and a loss to Switzerland in Vancouver. Sunday also marked the first instance of a World Cup host playing a match on another nation’s soil.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t have played in Vancouver in front of our fans,” Marsch remarked. “Nevertheless, the team’s character, quality, mentality, and cohesion were evident. It is a pleasure to coach them.”

(Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Marsch had previously pledged to avoid commentary on the U.S. team after remarks that sparked controversy, including a claim that he and Bradley “had to beg” U.S. players to sing the national anthem at the tournament’s opening.

“These players,” he noted, “sing the national anthem with full voice, underscoring their pride in being Canadian and representing their nation.”

U.S. soccer legend and current FOX Sports analyst Clint Dempsey, a 2010 World Cup squad member who scored against England and helped the U.S. top the group, responded sharply.

“I can’t take this guy seriously,” Dempsey remarked, noting his own approach to the anthem: “I typically place my hand over my heart and pray.”

He added, “I won’t accept advice from someone who has switched allegiance and now sings another country’s anthem.”

After Canada’s historic victory, Marsch asserted his pride in being American.

“Sometimes I am labeled as boisterous, arrogant, or overly vocal, and those descriptors often apply to me,” he acknowledged.

“But to that I respond, I don’t give a damn.”

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