'It would be a shame' - Jesse Marsch says he understands why some Canadian fans may opt not to travel to U.S. for Gold Cup, given political climate and border concerns

Against the backdrop of rising political tensions between the two nations, Canada coach Jesse Marsch said Monday he understands if some Canadian national team supporters opt not to travel to the U.S. for upcoming Gold Cup matches, given concerns about possible issues at the border.

Since U.S. President Donald Trump started his second term, there have been reports of tourists being stopped at U.S. border crossings and held at immigration detention facilities, according to the Associated Press.

“I could see trepidation for anyone looking to travel to the U.S. at this current political climate,” Marsch, who was born in Wisconsin, said Monday. “So it’s a sad thing, I think, that we have to talk about visiting the U.S. in this way, but I think everybody has to make decisions that are best for them and that fit best with what’s going on in their life and their lifestyle.”

The U.S., Canada and Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup. Marsch’s squad opens the 2025 Gold Cup June 17 against Honduras in Vancouver, then plays its next two matches in Houston - the first against Curaçao on June 21 and then El Salvador on June 24.

“It would be a shame if we didn’t get the kind of fan support that I think our team deserves from our country, from our fans, because of the political climate, especially if we could achieve a lot in this tournament and get to the final, which is our goal,” Marsch said. “So I’m not sure how everybody will act or react to what the situation is, but I certainly hope that we have big support in these meaningful matches. I know we will be in Vancouver.”

Marsch will not be on the sideline for the games against Honduras and Curaçao because of a two-game suspension by CONCACAF for his refusal to leave the field during a Nations League third-place game against the U.S. on March 23.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly stressed "The world is welcome in America" messaging in several meetings with the media, pointing to FIFA and the White House's collaboration in setting up travel guidelines for this year's Club World Cup and next year's World Cup.

Canada will announce their final roster for the Gold Cup this week, before kicking off two friendlies in preparation for the tournament. Canada will host Ukraine on June 7 at BMO Field and follow it up at the same venue with a match against the Ivory Coast on June 10.