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Jun 13, 2026
Analyzed by Llama- 4 Scout 17B 16E Instruct

Clint Dempsey slams Jesse Marsch over national anthem comments

AI Summary
Clint Dempsey has fired back at Jesse Marsch over comments suggesting US players had to be begged to sing the national anthem. Dempsey, the US men's national team's joint all-time leading scorer, responded strongly to Marsch's remarks.

The Clash Between Dempsey and Marsch

Clint Dempsey, the US men's national team's joint all-time leading scorer, has fired back at Jesse Marsch after the Canada coach suggested that American players had to be begged to sing the Star-Spangled Banner.

Marsch's Comments Spark Controversy

Speaking to reporters before Canada's World Cup opener, Marsch praised the pride of his own team and drew a comparison with US players. He said, "In the US sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem."

Dempsey's Strong Response

Dempsey, who is at the World Cup as an analyst for Fox Sports, had choice words in response. "He really said that? Man, I can't take this guy too seriously," Dempsey said. "It was an honor for me growing up and represent my country. When the national anthem happened, I wasn't someone who normally would sing. I put my hand over my heart, and I'd pray to the good man upstairs. I'm someone who's 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."

The Background

  • Marsch was an assistant for the USMNT from 2010 to 2011, including at the World Cup in South Africa.
  • He became the first American to manage Canada when he was appointed two years ago.
  • Dempsey played for the US at the 2010 World Cup, when Marsch was an assistant on Bob Bradley's staff.
  • Dempsey is tied with Landon Donovan atop the USMNT's all-time goals list with 57.

The Future

The US opened their World Cup against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday. Canada will face Qatar in their second game on 18 June.