TORONTO, ON–Former DC United, Chicago Fire, and Chivas USA midfielder and former CF Montreal (neé Montreal Impact), New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig, and Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch has been named the 20th head coach of the Canadian Men’s National Team. Marsch replaces John Herdman who left the national team post for the head coaching job at Toronto FC and will lead Canada into Copa America where they have groups stage matches against Argentina, Peru, and Chile.
It has been reported by TSN that March’s hiring was “assisted by major philanthropic contributions” from the owners of the three Canadian-based MLS clubs — Vancouver Whitecaps, CF Montreal (Joey Saputo) and Toronto FC (Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment) — and supplemented by other private donors.
“In recognition of their significant philanthropic support, Marsch’s position will be formally titled as the MLS Canada Men’s National Team Head Coach during the term of his initial contract,” Canada Soccer said. “This type of donor recognition is common at universities and hospitals, in NCAA sports, and is starting to be used in the Canadian sport system — for example, with the Stollery Family Women’s National Team Head Coach support at Golf Canada.”
Marsch played 14 seasons with D.C. United (1996-1997), Chicago Fire (1998-2005), and Chivas USA (2006-2009). His served as an assistant coach under Bob Bradley’s staff on the U.S. team that reached the Round of 16 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
He went on to coach the Montreal Impact, now CF Montreal, to a 12-16-6 record in 2012 season but left by mutual agreement after the expansion club’s inaugural season. He then took over New York Red Bulls in 2015 and was named MLS Coach of the Year after leading the club to the MLS Supporters’ Shield.
In 2018, he moved elsewhere in the Red Bull soccer family, joining RB Leipzig in Germany’s Bundesliga as assistant manager to Ralph Rangnick. After the 2018-19 season, he became manager of FC Red Bull Salzburg of the Austrian Bundesliga, leading the club to a league and cup double in both of his seasons in charge.
Marsch rejoined RB Leipzig in 2021, this time as manager. He led the club at the end of the year and took over England’s Leeds United in February 2022. He was fired by Leeds in February 2023 with the club just above the relegation zone.
“It is an absolute honour to represent and lead the Canadian Men’s National Team in our preparation for a home World Cup,” said Marsch in the press release. “The combination of the new leadership inside of Canada Soccer coupled with the potential of this dynamic player pool has inspired me, and I am ready and eager to take on this massive responsibility. My excitement and anticipation to get started are immense. One of my main goals will be to help unite the soccer community in Canada to support our efforts to be successful on and off the pitch. All In for 2026!”
Marsch’s first match in charge of Canada will be against Netherlands on Wednesday, June 6th, in Rotterdam.
