Less than five months before the eyes of the football world turn to Vancouver, the focus for National Team Coach Jesse Marsch remains on preparation, standards, and clarity. On January 31, 2026, that process comes into view as he sits down for an exclusive fireside chat, presented by The Coaches Site and Blackfin Sports Group.
Hosted downtown Vancouver at the SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, the afternoon offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the coach responsible for guiding Canada into the most important tournament in its history. Rather than a keynote or press conference, this event is designed as a conversation. One that pulls back the curtain on how a national team is built and sustained at the highest level.
The event will be hosted by former USMNT World Cup defender and Vancouver Whitecaps captain Jay DeMerit, with moderation of the chat from Aaron Wilbur, Founder of The Coaches Site. Together, they will lead a thoughtful exchange with Marsch on team identity, World Cup preparation, and the leadership demands of international football.
Since taking over the program in 2024, Marsch has helped drive Canada to its highest-ever FIFA World Ranking, while establishing a clear identity in how the team plays and competes. During the fireside chat, he will share insights into:
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How Canada’s identity shows up in training and matches
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What goes into preparing a group for World Cup competition
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His coaching philosophy and its application at the youth and high-performance levels
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Leadership lessons shaped by 15 years coaching in MLS, the Bundesliga, and the Premier League
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Why he believes local coaches play a critical role in the future of Canadian soccer
Marsch will also reflect on his journey from the U.S. Men’s National Team staff to head coaching roles with Montreal Impact, New York Red Bulls, RB Salzburg, RB Leipzig, and Leeds United, drawing connections between elite environments and everyday coaching practice.
The event includes live audience Q&A, time to connect with fellow coaches and leaders in the game, and an optional post-event social hour nearby.
With space limited and interest high, tickets are expected to sell out.
This is a chance to learn directly from one of the most influential coaches in sports, at a moment when Canadian soccer is preparing for the world’s biggest stage.
