Jesse Marsch reveals USMNT strung him along before Canada appointment

Jesse Marsch thought he had the United States men's national team job "in my pocket" when he rejected Leicester City in 2023. Instead, the federation rehired Gregg Berhalter, leaving the American coach to take charge of Canada ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

The revelation exposes the chaotic nature of US Soccer's coaching search and hands their regional rival a motivated manager with intimate knowledge of the American system.

How the USMNT fumbled their coaching search and handed Canada a gift

Marsch's account of the 2023 coaching saga paints a picture of organisational dysfunction at US Soccer. The 52-year-old American had just left Leeds United after an 11-month stint when Leicester City came calling following Brendan Rodgers' departure.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, Marsch revealed the timeline that changed North American football:

It was 2023. When they gave the job back to Gregg Berhalter, I turned down Leicester, thinking I was going to get the US gig. But they ended up rehiring Gregg, having previously made it very apparent that I was going to get the job.

The federation's mixed signals

US Soccer's handling of the situation raises serious questions about their decision-making process. They gave Marsch clear indications he would succeed Berhalter, prompting him to reject a Premier League opportunity.

The federation's subsequent U-turn not only cost them a coach with European experience at RB Leipzig and Leeds United, but also created an adversary with inside knowledge of their system.

A gift to Canada

Canada Soccer capitalised on their neighbour's indecision. They secured a manager who:

• Played 14 times for the USMNT as a midfielder
• Served as assistant coach under Bob Bradley at the 2010 World Cup
• Brings Champions League experience from his time in Austria and Germany
• Has a personal motivation to prove US Soccer wrong

Marsch's sliding doors moment: From Leicester rejection to Canada's gain

The Leicester City job represented a chance for immediate redemption after Marsch's Leeds departure. The Foxes needed a manager to navigate their relegation battle, offering him a quick route back to Premier League management.

Instead, Marsch gambled on patriotic duty. His connection to US Soccer ran deep, dating back to a chance encounter with coach Bora Milutinovic in 1991.

I went back to the hotel with the team, then helped Bora pack! He had to get a plane, needed someone to help and asked me, so I went upstairs and helped him pack, then saw him off in the taxi.

From packing bags to unpacking betrayal

That formative experience shaped Marsch's career ambitions. He strategically positioned himself for the national team role, viewing his 2010 World Cup assistant position as preparation for the top job.

His European adventures at RB Salzburg, RB Leipzig and Leeds only enhanced his credentials. By 2023, he appeared the logical choice to lead the USMNT into their home World Cup.

Finding solace in Canada

Marsch now frames the rejection as destiny rather than disappointment:

But I'm thankful I didn't, because of how glad I am to be the Canadian coach. I think I'm a better fit for what we're doing in Canada.

His appointment gives Canada their most experienced coach heading into 2026, with a manager who understands both the pressure of international tournaments and the specific dynamics of North American football.

Why this matters for the 2026 World Cup rivalry

The 2026 World Cup transforms this coaching subplot into a compelling narrative. With matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Marsch will lead Canada against his homeland on the sport's biggest stage.

The rivalry gains extra edge from Marsch's insider knowledge. His experience within US Soccer's system provides Canada with invaluable intelligence about player development, tactical preferences and organisational culture.

A motivated adversary

Personal slights create the most dangerous opponents. Marsch enters 2026 with:

• Intimate knowledge of US Soccer's structure and philosophy
• Relationships with American players from his MLS and European coaching stops
• A point to prove against the federation that spurned him
• The backing of a Canadian team featuring stars like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David

Berhalter's shadow looms large

The decision to rehire Berhalter after the 2022 World Cup remains controversial. While the USMNT reached the Round of 16 in Qatar, questions persisted about tactical limitations and player management.

US Soccer chose continuity over change, but their handling of Marsch suggests the decision wasn't unanimous. The mixed messages sent to potential candidates reveal an organisation uncertain about its direction.

What happens next

Marsch now prepares Canada for their biggest moment since hosting the 1986 World Cup. The tournament offers him the perfect stage for vindication against the federation that led him on.

For US Soccer, the Marsch revelation adds scrutiny to their coaching decisions. With Berhalter's position always under pressure, they've created a situation where their northern neighbours possess both motivation and inside knowledge heading into football's showpiece event.

The 2026 World Cup rivalry between the United States and Canada just became personal.