Dempsey tears into Marsch over USMNT anthem jibe: 'I bled for this country'

Clint Dempsey delivered a scathing rebuke of Canada manager Jesse Marsch on Thursday after Marsch claimed he had to “beg” USMNT players to sing their national anthem — comments that drew immediate fury from the United States’ all-time leading scorer ahead of the 2026 World Cup group stage.

Marsch made the provocative comparison in a press conference before Canada’s Group B opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, suggesting his current Canadian squad sing their anthem with a pride he never witnessed during his time with the US setup. Canada were held to a 1-1 draw in that fixture, with Jovo Lukic opening the scoring in the 21st minute before Cyle Larin equalised in the 78th — extending Canada’s winless World Cup record to six losses and one draw across their entire tournament history.

Dempsey, who scored 57 goals in 141 appearances for the USMNT, was unsparing in his response. “He really said that? I can’t take this guy too seriously,” the 43-year-old said. “When the national anthem played — I wasn’t someone who normally would sing — I would put my hand over my heart and pray to the good man upstairs.”

“I’m someone who has bled for this country. I broke my nose playing for this country, I’ve come back from two heart procedures and played for this country. I’m not going to take advice from someone who switched to the other side and [is] singing another country’s national anthem.”

Marsch represented the United States as both a player and a coach, serving as assistant to Bob Bradley between 2010 and 2011 before eventually taking the Canada job. Dempsey argued that transition stripped Marsch of any standing to comment on American players’ patriotism.

He closed his remarks by borrowing a phrase associated with Thierry Henry. “Stay in your own lane — it looks like he’s in a dang moped,” Dempsey said. “Worry about your own team.”

The USMNT open their Group D campaign against Paraguay later on Thursday, with Dempsey’s words ensuring the spotlight falls not only on their performance on the pitch but on how loudly they sing before kick-off.