Canada’s head coach Jesse Marsch recognizes that some fans may be hesitant to travel to the U.S. for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup due to concerns about crossing the border.
“I understand why people might feel uneasy about going to the U.S. given the current political environment,” Marsch said during a Zoom press conference on Monday. “It’s unfortunate that we have to talk about visiting the U.S. this way, but people need to make the choices that are right for their personal situations.”
Since President Donald Trump began his second term in January, reports have surfaced of travelers being stopped and detained at the U.S. border, including Canadian actor and entrepreneur Jasmine Mooney, who was held for 12 days in San Diego despite holding a valid work visa. According to Statistics Canada, air travel from the U.S. to Canada dropped 20% in April, while car travel declined 35%.
Marsch, a 51-year-old American from Racine, Wisconsin, took over as Canada’s coach in May 2024 following coaching roles with Montreal, the New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig, and Leeds United.
Canada, co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the U.S. and Mexico, will open its Gold Cup campaign against Honduras in Vancouver on June 17, before playing Curaçao and El Salvador in Houston on June 21 and 24.
“It would be disappointing if political tensions kept fans from supporting us during what could be a historic tournament run,” Marsch added. “We’re aiming for the final, and I hope fans show up to help us get there—especially in these crucial matches. I know we’ll have strong support in Vancouver.”
The 2024 Gold Cup runs from June 14 to July 6 across 14 venues, all but one located in the U.S. Marsch will miss the sidelines for Canada’s first two matches due to a suspension following a dispute with officials during a Nations League match against the U.S. on March 23.
Mexico and the U.S. have dominated the tournament historically, with nine and seven titles respectively. Canada’s lone championship came in 2000.