INGLEWOOD, Calif. — After Canada triumphed over South Africa to secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout victory and advance to the round of 16 on Sunday, head coach Jesse Marsch didn’t hesitate to call his players “Canadian heroes.”
Marsch was heard speaking to his players on the field after Stephen Eustáquio‘s last-minute volley clinched the 1-0 win for Canada. “This sport has a bright future thanks to you guys,” Marsch remarked.
“Some might say it’s superficial to meet on the pitch after a match, but I don’t care,” Marsch told reporters post-match. “In those moments, after a game, everyone gets pulled in different directions, so I wanted to take the time to say how significant this moment is for both the sport and the national team. It’s a shame we couldn’t do it in Vancouver, but it’s an honor to coach this team, and it drives me every day.”
Canada had to play in Marsch’s home country, the U.S., due to their 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in the final Group B match, which resulted in a second-place finish. Instead of competing in front of their Canadian fanbase in Vancouver, Marsch and the squad played their inaugural World Cup knockout match at SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles area.
With over 69,000 fans in attendance, many of whom were Canadian supporters, it felt like home for Marsch’s team as they advanced to face the winner of the Netherlands–Morocco match. “We’re used to competing in the U.S. from events like the Copa America, the Gold Cup, and friendlies,” Marsch noted. “We were disappointed not to play at home, but the guys quickly shifted their focus and concentrated on the match. It took us 92 minutes, but we got it done.”
“Our tournament goal—beyond inspiring our nation—was to challenge ourselves against one of the world’s football giants. Both Morocco and the Netherlands fit that bill,” Marsch said. “I see this next matchup as an opportunity, and we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
Amid the sea of Canadian jerseys, many fans donned Eustáquio’s LAFC shirt, celebrating a moment they could hardly have imagined. “We earned this victory,” Eustáquio stated. “We’ve formed a special bond; we feel like brothers. When we fight and play for each other, extraordinary things happen. I’m thrilled, but I won’t say the job’s done yet. We’ve always believed, and I think we truly deserved that goal.”
Marsch, who became head coach in May 2024, has made it clear that he feels a deep connection with the Canadian people and their national team. His pride was unmistakable as he expressed the rewards of coaching this squad. “The values and spirit of Canadians resonate with me,” Marsch emphasized. “It’s a nation that shows kindness and care to outsiders and values actions over words.” He added, “Americans may be seen as loud and outspoken, but honestly, I’m more focused on working with the players to get the best out of this group.”
When asked about what the United States should anticipate from their round-of-32 opponent, Bosnia-Herzegovina, who drew 1-1 with Canada in their opening match, Marsch remained tight-lipped. “It’s up to the U.S. to figure them out, and their players as well,” he said, recalling his near-coaching stint with the U.S. in 2024 before joining Canada. “Bosnia will present a tough challenge, no matter who they face.”