Domestic action will halt for a moment as international action again makes its way. For September, some exciting clashes are lined up among various nations, but it’s USMNT vs Canada that many are excited about. Though the significance of this clash is merely a friendly, CanMNT head coach, Jesse Marsch, is already preparing his side to keep their ‘best foot forward.’

September 7, Saturday is the day y’all can mark your calendars to see this face-off at Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Park. After facing the American boys, the Canucks will face Mexico on September 10, Tuesday, at AT&T Stadium. Interestingly, when OneSoccer reporter Oliver Platt asked the American tactician about the anticipation for both clashes, Marsch said, “Yeah, excited.”

“It’s been a little bit too long time but the guys I think have been performing well with their clubs. We will be ready for two important matches against the US and Mexico. It won’t be easy, but we are excited.” Both matches seem to be quite crucial for Canada, as Marsch is in no mood to consider them lightly. Winning is the only option that the 50-year-old has kept on the table for his players.

“Obviously, they are friendlies, but even when you look at the CONCACAF and FIFA rankings, it’s important for us to even look forward to November and what opponent we might draw to get into the semifinals of the Nations League. I think we are going to take these matches very seriously and be ready to put our best foot forward,” concluded Marsch.

Tracking Canada’s performance from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the team has improved a lot. They had failed to win a single game in the group stages of the prestigious tournament to eventually abide an early exit. The summer of 2023 was bittersweet as they lost the CONCACAF Nations League final as well as the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals against the USMNT.

Fast forward to this year’s summer, the 2024 Copa America was a completely different narrative for the Cannucks. Despite being drawn alongside Argentina, Chile, and Peru, they made their way to the knockout stages. Though Marsch and Co. defeated Venezuela in the quarter-finals, they lost the semifinal against Argentina. Sadly, Canada finished 4th in the CONCACAF-CONMEBOL-based tournament as they also lost the third-place decider against Uruguay in July.

Finally, a month later, the Canadians are back and will hope to get a positive result. However, they aren’t alone as the upcoming friendly window is also crucial for the USMNT, considering they are currently under a managerial transition. Mauricio Pochettino is set to take the job, but the question is, will he be able to face Jesse March’s side?

Will Mauricio Pochettino make his USMNT debut against Jesse Marsch’s Canada?

Mauricio Pochettino was expected to join the USMNT in Kansas City for their September friendlies against Canada. However, his contract situation with Chelsea is still unresolved, particularly regarding his $13.2 million severance. Although Chelsea owes him the full amount after mutually ending his contract a year before it was ending, the club is delaying payment.

This is creating an awkward situation for both Pochettino and the USMNT. The USSF is eager for a quick resolution, but it’s unclear if Pochettino will coach against Canada. Despite the delays, discussions between U.S. Soccer, Pochettino, and Chelsea remain positive. Perhaps Marsch will get a chance to face Poch’s USMNT in the future.