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Despite the 3-0 defeat to Morocco that knocked co-host nation Canada out of the 2026 World Cup, manager Jesse Marsch stuck by his side's performance.
"I'd rather us than them," Marsch said on the field after the match. "As good as Morocco is, I'd rather be us."
On top of imbuing confidence into his players, Marsch's statement was in reference to the strategy Canada had at the World Cup. Canada's attacking approach, Marsch felt, is respectful to soccer, a game he feels like should be played with courage, and a game plan Canadian fans can passionately support.
"What a privilege our fans have had to root a team on like this that goes after the game," Marsch said, "that doesn't play defensive, that shows that they can be better."
Marsch, a Wisconsin native, has made a name for himself at the World Cup for confident comments like this. Seemingly, they inspired Canada to play above its level and make a historic run. Canada earned its first-ever World Cup victory, qualified for its first-ever knockout stage, and won its first-ever knockout match.
Jesse Marsch exits the Houston Stadium field after Canada's loss to Morocco on Saturday afternoon. (Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
On Saturday, that run came to an end. But in Marsch's eyes, this is just the beginning for soccer in Canada.
"Of course, we have to be in these situations more and more, and we have to find ways to succeed. We have to build from that, but what a great team," Marsch said. "I'm really proud of our guys."
Canada will learn from this experience, the triumphs and eventual downfall at the 2026 World Cup, and hope to build consistency for World Cups in the future. Marsch and his brazen comments will be at the forefront of that movement.
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