CHARLOTTE — Jesse Marsch believes Canada is on the cusp of something special when it comes to soccer.
And he wants to be a part of it long term.
The 53-year-old American signed a four-year extension on Monday that will see him serve as head coach of Canada's men's soccer team through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
It was important to get the agreement formalized now, before the team — and the country — kick off this year's World Cup, Marsch said.
"We wanted to get this done and out of the way, so that everyone could go into the World Cup and be totally focused on the task at hand," he said at Canada's pre-tournament training camp in Charlotte on Tuesday.
"I know in my job, I'm tasked mostly with getting the first team right and to do well this World Cup and the next one. But I think we all know that we have an opportunity here to build the sport in all the right ways. And I felt like I needed more time to commit to that, and (Canada Soccer CEO) Kevin (Blue) agreed, so it was pretty easy to come to terms with what we thought was next.”
The plan had been to get the contract signed earlier, Marsch said, but Blue needed extra time to fundraise.
Canada Soccer said in a release Monday that several supporters were "instrumental in providing funding for Marsch's reappointment."
Those supporters include the Vancouver Whitecaps ownership, the Carmie and Joey Saputo Foundation, Seth Boron and Jen Hamilton, the Adnani family, and a donor who chose to remain anonymous.
"I'm very thankful for all the families that committed to having me here," Marsch said. "And I know most of them from all the fundraising we've been doing, and the faith that they showed in me and the commitment that they made to me is amazing."
Since Marsch took over as head coach in May 2024, the national team has gone 12-5-12, scoring 37 goals and conceding 23 across his 29 games in charge.
He guided Canada to the semifinals at the 2024 Copa America and helped it climb to a record 26th place in FIFA's global rankings in September 2025. The country currently sits 30th.
“I think since he's come on, you've seen our program go to a new level, which is really important," said veteran defender Richie Laryea. "I think he's elevated the group. You've seen guys get very good moves to Europe, even around MLS, as well, and the play of guys has been I think the best I've ever seen."
The coach also has a hand in developing the next wave of Canadian players, Laryea added.
"I think it's really important for our first team, the national team, but I think really important as well for the kids coming through," he said. "He's always … looking at kids and making sure that they're also up to date with what the first team is doing. So I think for the whole pipeline at Canada Soccer it's a very good thing that he's extended.”
Marsch and his team are looking to make history this summer by earning Canada's first-ever World Cup win.
The quest begins on June 12 when the country hosts Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto.
