Canadian men's soccer coach Jesse Marsch seeking contract extension prior to start of World Cup in June

Jesse Marsch, the head coach of Canada’s men’s soccer team, wants to extend his contract before the start of the World Cup in June.

“We’ve continued to evolve the program, and improve the program, in a way where people think positively about what the possibilities are for the future of the sport, and my involvement in it,” Marsch said in an exclusive interview with CBC Sports at his home in Italy.

“It’s led me to say, let’s visit what this would look like.”

Canada Soccer confirmed it is in discussions with Marsch, whose existing deal expires at the end of July.

“Both of our goals are to get something done before the World Cup,” Marsch said.

The 52-year-old cited his bond with Kevin Blue, Canada Soccer’s CEO, as one the reasons he’d like to continue in his role.

“Kevin and I have an amazing relationship,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve had a better working relationship with anybody I’ve ever worked with.

“Then I look at the overall project and mission and program, and I think that together we can have a really strong impact, in a really positive way.”

Marsch’s public desire to extend his contract comes at an interesting time.

When the American-born coach took over Canada’s men in May 2024, they were ranked 49th in the world.

They had climbed to 31st by the end of that year. Blue broached a possible extension in February 2025, which Marsch felt was too soon.

“The wave of popular opinion of a national team coach can swing so strongly from one direction to another,” he said. “I told Kevin, let’s see how things go.”

By September 2025, he’d lifted his team to 26th, the best ranking in its history, and Marsch’s own stock continued to rise. Canada’s men currently sit 27th, their highest year-end finish.

But this summer will be a defining one. Canada will co-host the men’s World Cup with the U.S. and Mexico, and it will enter its first game in Toronto on June 12 under unprecedented weight. Failure to get out of its group, which will include Switzerland, Qatar, and the winner of a UEFA playoff, will be considered a massive disappointment.