Jesse Marsch praises Canadian pride ahead of World Cup opener against Bosnia

2 sources2 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 11:47 PM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

Jesse Marsch praises Canadian pride ahead of World Cup opener against Bosnia
Summary

Jesse Marsch emphasized the pride of his Canadian players on the eve of their Group B opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, set for Friday in Toronto. He expressed confidence in his squad's readiness to embrace the pressure of co-hosting the World Cup, contrasting their enthusiasm with that of some former U.S. players who he had to ‘beg’ to sing the national anthem. Marsch confirmed that both Ismaël Koné and Moïse Bombito are fit to play, while providing a positive update on captain Alphonso Davies, who is recovering well from a hamstring injury. He also dismissed concerns about weather impacting the match following a recent evacuation of a fan festival due to lightning.

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Status Watch
  • Canada faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup opener
  • Marsch highlights players' national pride and readiness
  • Koné and Bombito fit, positive news on Davies' recovery
  • Weather concerns addressed following fan festival evacuation
Latest Updates
  • 11:47 PMYahoo SportsJesse Marsch says he had to ‘beg’ US players to sing anthem as he talks up Canada’s pride
  • 11:47 PMThe Guardian SportJesse Marsch says he had to ‘beg’ US players to sing anthem as he talks up Canada’s pride
What they're saying
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Jesse Marsch urged Canada to embrace the pressure of being co-hosts on the eve of their Group B opener and trumpeted his players’ pride at representing the nation, adding that when he was part of the US setup they had to sometimes “beg players to sing the national anthem”. Canada will host their first World Cup game on Friday, with Bosnia and Herzegovina their opponents for the history-making match in Toronto. Marsch, who became the first American to manage Canada upon his appointment two years ago and was the US assistant coach at the 2010 World Cup, said he loves the multiculturalism in his squad.

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Marsch says players will embrace World Cup occasion Moïse Bombito and Ismaël Koné fit after injuries Weather concerns dismissed: ‘We’ll be ready.’ Jesse Marsch urged Canada to embrace the pressure of being co-hosts on the eve of their Group B opener and trumpeted his players’ pride at representing the nation, adding that when he was part of the US setup they had to sometimes “beg players to sing the national anthem”. Canada will host their first World Cup game on Friday, with Bosnia and Herzegovina their opponents for the history-making match in Toronto. Continue reading...

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