As the representatives from the four nations competing in the 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League Finals stepped off the stage after Wednesday’s tournament media day, the games themselves were far from the biggest story.

Instead, it was Canadian men’s national team head coach Jesse Marsch’s impassioned and eloquent statements about the current political climate involving Canada and the United States. In light of the intensity of matches between the two countries in the recent NHL Four Nations Face-Off, Marsch was asked, as an American coaching the Canadian team, how comfortable he was with all the current political discourse.

After denouncing the rhetoric of U.S. President Donald Trump, he made it clear that it will only add to the intensity and focus of his group as they step onto the pitch for the regional competition.

“These international tournaments for Canada mean something different now,” said Marsch. “And as an American, I’d like to address the 51st state discourse which I find unsettling and frankly insulting. Canada is a strong, independent nation that’s deep-rooted in decency.”

He later added: “When I look forward to a month from now, I know that this will fuel our team, the mentality we have, the will we have to play for our country, the desire we have to go after this tournament in every way, and to show, on and off the pitch, exactly what Canadian character is. So obviously, I really look forward to the challenge of not just playing Mexico, but the tournament as a whole, and I guarantee that our team will be ready.”

In 22 days’ time, on March 20, Canada take on Mexico in the Nations League semi-finals (7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET on OneSoccer). The winner of that match will play the winner of the other semi-final between the United States and Panama, with the loser playing in the third-place game — both on March 23 at SoFi Stadium.

In Canada’s one previous Nations League Finals appearance, they lost 2-0 to the United States in the 2022-23 title match. The United States men’s national team have won all three previous editions. This Canadian team now believes that they have all the tools to change that in March.

“It’s a team that really loves to play for their national team,” said Marsch. “It’s a team that cares deeply about being Canadian and is starting more and more to believe in themselves as a football nation, as a football powerhouse in the region. So this will be a big opportunity for us, but obviously a massive challenge.”

With Canada given an automatic spot in the 2026 World Cup as hosts, and therefore not needing to go through Concacaf qualifying, Marsch mentioned how crucial opportunities like this to play competitive tournament matches are for Canada’s preparations.

“This is a major test, one that we’re excited about,” said Marsch, “and I think we need it for our overall development, and with an eye on 2026 we need these types of matches to test ourselves, to test our teams, to make sure that we’re prepared and ready for everything next summer.”

Adding to that test is the environment that Canada will step into. Marsch is under no illusions as to what SoFi Stadium will look like for the semi-final, and how his side will need to deal with the intensity of playing in front of a pro-Mexico crowd in Los Angeles. But that only adds to the value of this match.

“I certainly know that on Thursday, March 20, that we’re going to see a lot of green jerseys, and a lot of Mexican fans, and this will be a major challenge, but also a lot of pressure on the Mexican team and certainly the manager,” said Marsch, who was sitting directly next to El Tri coach Javier Aguirre.

He also spoke on what he thinks will be a showcase of the region’s elite four nations, who he believes have the ability to elevate the game in Concacaf to new heights.

“I think right now in Concacaf, you have four nations that have established themselves as the premier football nations in the region,” said Marsch. “I think maybe the four best coaches that we’ve seen representing these nations.

“I think all four [countries] also have the ability to establish a very high level of what we can achieve in 2026, so I’m excited for the next month, but also looking forward to the summer of 2026.”

He says that any of the four competing nations have a very good opportunity to lift the Nations League trophy on March 23, making this anyone’s tournament. As Canada look to hoist their first bit of silverware since 2000, he says he couldn’t be prouder to be the man who leads them.

“I found a place that embodies, for me, the ideals and morals of not just what a football team is, but what life is,” said Marsch. “That’s integrity, respect, and the belief that good people can do great things together.”