Jesse Marsch’s Canada side have been knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco.

Former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch made a big claim with a defiant speech after seeing his Canada side finally knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco.

Marsch was appointed head coach of Canada back in May 2024 and the 52-year-old guided the country to qualification for the World Cup and then progression to the knockout stages for the first time in their history.

Another record was then broken as Canada won their first ever knockout game at a World Cup by beating South Africa in the round of 32 to set up a last 16 clash against Morocco on Saturday evening.

The first half of the contest ended goalless but Morocco turned the screw after the break and eventually recorded a 3-0 victory as a brace from Azzedine Ounahi was followed by a late strike from Soufiane Rahimi.

Morocco will now play France in the competition’s quarter finals but Marsch launched a fierce defence of his team following the defeat, claiming Canada were the better side and that he would rather be Canada than Morocco.

“What a privilege our fans have had to root a team on like this,” said Marsch to FOX Sports, as per The Mail.

“[A team] that goes after the game, that doesn't play defensive, that shows that they can be better.

“Of course, we have to be in these situations more and more. And then we have to find ways to succeed and build on that.

“I'd rather be us than them! As good as Morocco is, I'd rather be us. I'm really proud of our guys, we went after the game. They're hurting right now but I couldn't be prouder. I thank Canada.”