Canada Coach Marsch Aims for Historic First World Cup Win on Home Soil

2026 World Cup Key News

(TAIPEI, CNA – TORONTO, June 11, Combined Foreign Reports) Canada national football team head coach Jesse Marsch said on the eve of the co-host's opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina that leading the team at a home World Cup was the main reason he took the job.

The American-born Marsch told reporters at Toronto's BMO Field, which will host six matches of the tournament: "If you do this for a living, this is the stage you dream of."

"I came here to lead them to the World Cup, and at home. I crave this responsibility," Marsch said.

He humorously added: "I love sitting on the bench, seeing the stadium full, and when the pressure is immense and everyone thinks you're an idiot – that's my favorite part."

According to AFP, the former US international was considered a top candidate for the US national team job after being dismissed by Premier League side Leeds United in 2023. However, he ultimately chose to coach Canada, earning a chance to secure the country's first-ever World Cup victory.

Canada has qualified for the World Cup twice, in 1986 and 2022, losing all six group stage matches. With several players now featuring in Europe's top leagues, expectations are high this year.

Marsch revealed that star player Alphonso Davies, who plays for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, will miss the match against Bosnia due to a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Stephen Eustaquio will captain Canada in its first-ever home World Cup match. (Edited by Li Peishan) 1150612