Last month, the 4 Nations Challenge took the sports world by surprise as Canada’s impressive 3-2 victory over the United States in the finals captivated 16.1 million viewers in North America. This milestone marked it as the second-most watched hockey match in the past century, intensifying the rivalry between the two nations.
Canadian spectators had booed the American national anthem earlier in the tournament, and witnessed three fights breaking out during their initial round-robin duel which the U.S. won 3-1. Following Canada’s redemptive win in the finals, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed, “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” a clear jab at President Trump’s past remarks about integrating Canada as the 51st state.
At a press briefing about the upcoming Concacaf Nations League, coach Jesse Marsch aims to channel his team’s competitive spirit by drawing inspiration from the country’s rising tensions. In response to a query from Katie Baker at The Ringer, he acknowledged:
“Look, I traded texts with [Canada hockey coach] Jon Cooper. We haven’t had a chance to speak yet… Maybe [it] caught the Canadians a bit off guard with the anthem booing and everything else might have ignited a fire under them. Nevertheless, our Canadian national team understood the demands of the game, which is crucial for our performance.”
Marsch further emphasized the importance of this charged atmosphere stating:
“These games are vital now. These aren’t discussions I need to have with them. I’ve tried to instill the Canadian hockey mentality within our players, where they showcase their grit during challenging moments, revealing their strength, courage, and unwillingness to back down from confrontations — all crucial aspects we must embody in our style of play.”
At 51 years old, Marsch, a product of Wisconsin and a former player in the MLS, made two appearances for the USMNT, transitioning to coaching in MLS following his retirement. His rise in global soccer began while leading Red Bull Salzburg to league titles in 2019-20, followed by stints at RB Leipzig and Leeds United. Hired by Canada in May 2024, he led the national team to overcome the USMNT on American soil for the first time since 1957 within four months.
Last month, he openly critiqued Trump’s statements, labeling them “unsettling, honestly insulting, and ridiculous,” delivering more insights during his Tuesday presser. He stated:
“I’m not here to get political, but I’ve made my stance clear. Watching the Four Nations in hockey has illustrated how heightened the competitive nature between sports in North America has become. I’m hopeful this tournament showcases our societies at their best, where we can redirect our focus on players and the love of the game rather than political undertones.”
Ultimately, both teams could potentially face each other in the finals if the USMNT defeats Panama and Canada triumphs against Suriname in their respective matches this Thursday.
