Jesse Marsch has drawn fresh criticism from some American fans after loudly singing Canada’s national anthem before his team’s World Cup knockout match against South Africa.
The American coach, a former United States international who now leads Canada’s men’s national team, had already stirred debate with past remarks claiming he once had to “beg” U.S. players to sing the Star-Spangled Banner before games.
There was no hesitation from Marsch in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon, however. Standing with his coaching staff and linking arms, he appeared fully committed as he sang “O Canada” with visible pride before kickoff.
The moment quickly became a talking point on X, where several users criticized Marsch for embracing the anthem of the country he now represents. One post read: “What an absolutely fake patriot Jesse Marsch is. Let’s force him to live in our 51st state for the rest of his life. STOP SINGING THEIR ANTHEM. Get it done @marcorubio.”
Another user called it “performative nonsense” for “an American” to sing the Canadian anthem, while a third reacted more angrily, writing: “Jesse Marsch is such a f***ing traitor singing O’ Canada.”
Marsch is the first American to manage Canada’s men’s soccer team. Earlier in his coaching career, he also served as an assistant for the United States at the 2010 World Cup.
Jesse Marsch sang the Canadian national anthem before the World Cup clash in Los Angeles
The American coach linked arms with his staff as he sang “O Canada” loudly and proudly
‘When I first came, I had to learn a lot about what it meant to be Canadian,’ he said. ‘Being a leader in this sport, I’ve always tried to create an environment where our differences make us stronger, not weaker.
‘From the moment I stepped into the environment with this team, I was impressed by how much they loved each other, how much they were drawn to each other and how much, even though there were differences, their back stories had similarities.
‘Every one of these boys is incredibly Canadian and the pride they have in putting on the jersey, representing the country and hearing the national anthem.
‘In the US sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem. These guys [Canada stars] belt it out to the top of their lungs because they want to show the country how proud they are to be Canadians and to represent what Canada is.’
During his time as an assistant coach for the USA, Marsch worked with the likes of Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey at the World Cup in South Africa.
On the field the players also sung the anthem in front of a largely American crowd in California
Clint Dempsey didn’t sing during the anthem, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t proud, he said
Dempsey, who is working the tournament for Fox and was a key member of the 2010 US squad, disputed that version of events.
‘He really said that?’ Dempsey said. ‘Man, I can’t take this guy too seriously. It was an honor for me growing up [to] represent my country.
‘When the national anthem happened, I wasn’t someone who normally would sing. I put my hand over my heart, and I’d pray to the good man upstairs. I’m someone who’s bled for this country. I broke my nose playing for this country. I’ve come back from two heart procedures and played for this country.’
Then Dempsey questioned Marsch’s loyalty as an American citizen coaching one of his country’s biggest rivals.
‘I’m not going to take advice from someone who switched to the other side and is singing another country’s national anthem,’ Dempsey added. ‘And as my boy [Henry] would say, stay in your own lane. It looks like he’s in a dang moped, so worry about your own team.’
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was also in attendance for the first round of 32 World Cup game
Marsch said American players didn’t sing their anthem prior to games during the 2010 World Cup. Here those players are seen with their hands on their hearts during the anthem
Henry also took issue with Marsch, whom he criticized for portraying his team as an underdog.
Team Canada currently boasts Bayern Munich star left-back Alphonso Davies and Juventus forward Jonathan David, although Marsch’s record with Les Rouges is just 12-12-5 since taking the job in 2024.
And because of Canada’s rising profile in international soccer, Henry is tired of what he views as false modesty. Instead, the legendary Frenchman told the Fox panel, Marsch should get used to facing expectations.
‘You got to walk the walk and talk the talk. You can’t hide behind the fact that you are a decent team,’ Henry said before Canada’s draw. ‘You took a job, by the way, that someone started… That team was already there when he arrived. Yes, he elevated them. Let’s see what he can do today against Bosnia [and Herzegovina].’
