“They Better Root for Canada” – Marsch Calls Out Italy, Sends Warning to Wales
Jesse Marsch has thrown down an early World Cup gauntlet, openly hoping Italy emerges from their UEFA playoff to face Canada while making it clear he is ready to reignite tensions with Wales. The Canada coach’s comments signal that Group B is quickly becoming one of the most emotionally charged storylines heading into 2026.
Canada, as tournament co-hosts, was drawn alongside Switzerland, Qatar, and the winner of a European playoff bracket featuring Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. While most coaches would avoid heavyweight opponents, Marsch did the opposite, admitting he wants the Azzurri in Vancouver for what he called a perfect opening night scenario.
His motivation goes beyond football tactics. Marsch pointed to Canada’s huge Italian community, seeing the potential clash as more than a match. It would be a cultural event, a national statement, and a litmus test for Canada’s growing football identity at a home World Cup.
“I know there would be a lot of Italian-Canadians at the match match,and they had better root for Canada,” Marsch said during his post-draw press conference, framing the fixture as a battle for loyalty as much as points.
The subplot with Wales adds another edge. Back in September, Canada edged Wales 1-0 in Swansea in a friendly that spilled into public tension. Wales head coach Craig Bellamy criticizedmatch, Canada’s celebrations before firing a public warning by saying he hoped to meet Marsch again at the World Cup. Marsch did not forget.
“Bellamy said he wanted to play us, and Wales is in there,” Marsch told media, making it clear that if the Red Dragons survive the playoff, this will be more than a routine group-stage fixture.
From a football perspective, the playoff bracket is far from straightforward. Italy remains the favorite, but Bosnia and Herzegovina bring physicality and midfield control, Northern Ireland is a traditionally awkward opponent, and Wales has recent tournament experience. Marsch acknowledged the danger of assuming anything.
“Bosnia is a really good team,” he said, stressing that the path to Group B is not a formality for anyone.
His interest in Italy is also shaped by their recent resurgence. Under Gennaro Gattuso, the Azzurri have become more compact and aggressive, regaining competitiveness after a period of transition. A Canada versus Italy opener would pit a rising host nation against a European giant rebuilt in Gattuso’s image.
Beyond the playoff drama, Marsch revealed the quiet relief inside the Canada camp. Norway, driven by their elite attacking threat, was viewed internally as the most dangerous team in Pot Three. Avoiding them changed the mood.
“I didn’t want Norway, and the fact we didn’t get Norway in the third pot made me happy,” Marsch admitted.
His focus now shifts to what is certain. Switzerland presents an organized, tactically disciplined challenge, while Qatar brings tournament experience and technical quality. Canada’s plan is simple in theory but demanding in practice: prepare aggressively, stay healthy, and use home advantage as a weapon.
“We are confident in our team, and whoever we were going to draw, we are confident of being able to beat those teams,” Marsch said, striking a balance between respect and belief.
Not knowing the final opponent frustrates him, but he views it as a disadvantage for the playoff winner rather than Canada.
He closed with a clear message: Canada will not wait in fear. They will prepare in control, building toward a moment they believe belongs to them.
And if that moment comes against Italy or a Wales side itching for revenge, Marsch sounds more than ready.