Clint Dempsey criticizes Jesse Marsch’s remarks on U.S. and Canadian national anthem singing

U.S. players and the national anthem. Dempsey spoke during Fox pre-match coverage ahead of Canada's opening World Cup game.

Marsch made the remarks at a news conference in Toronto on June 12, 2026. U.S. Manager Bob Bradley at the 2010 World Cup and played twice for the United States, contrasted that with his current squad. "We have never ... these guys sing the national anthem, belt it out to the top of their lungs because they want to show the country how proud they are to be here, to be Canadians and to represent what Canada is," Marsch said.

He described the players as "impeccable in their character" and said the team wanted to display those qualities against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dempsey rejected the comparison. "He really said that? Man, I can’t take this guy too seriously," he said.

Dempsey described his own pre-match routine of placing a hand over his heart and praying rather than singing. "It was an honor for me growing up to represent my country," he said. "I’m someone who has bled for this county, I broke my nose playing for this country, I’ve come back from two heart procedures and played for this country, so I’m not going to take advice from someone who switched to the other side singing another country’s national anthem," Dempsey said.

Canada faced Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12, 2026, in the team's opening match of the tournament.