Clint Dempsey criticizes Jesse Marsch over anthem comments

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 7:33 PM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Clint Dempsey criticizes Jesse Marsch over anthem comments
Summary

Clint Dempsey responded to Jesse Marsch's remarks regarding US national team players not singing the anthem. Marsch, now Canada’s head coach, stated he often had to 'beg' players to sing during his time as an assistant coach with the US team. Dempsey expressed disbelief at these comments, emphasizing his pride in representing the US. He criticized Marsch's authority on the matter given his switch to coaching the Canadian team, suggesting Marsch focus on his current squad. The exchange highlights tensions between the two regarding national pride in soccer.

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By the Numbers
  • Dempsey played 141 times for the USMNT.
  • Marsch's tenure with the USMNT was from 2010-2011.
  • Marsch became Canada's head coach in May 2024.
  • Dempsey references his personal sacrifices for the national team.
  • Marsch acknowledged the pride of Canadian players in their anthem.
Latest Updates
  • 8:20 PMYahoo SportsClint Dempsey slams Canada boss Jesse Marsch over US anthem ‘begging’ claim
  • 7:33 PMYahoo SportsClint Dempsey on Jesse Marsch's anthem comments: 'I'm not going to take advice from someone who switched to the other side'
What they're saying
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Marsch said this week that when he was a USMNT assistant he sometimes had to "beg" players to sing the national anthem

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Marsch said that he had to “beg” United States players to sing the national anthem during his time in the setup

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