Canada approach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over manager job after Jose Mourinho and Frank Lampard rejections | OneFootball

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Canada’s national team have contacted Jesse Marsch and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about leading the national team into the 2026 World Cup.

Canada Soccer are sounding out multiple candidates as they plan for the next World Cup, which they are co-hosting.

Jose Mourinho has rejected the chance to interview for the role, as did Frank Lampard after he decided the job was not the right opportunity for him to return to management.

Whether Marsch or Solskjaer would go for the opportunity at this stage is unclear.

Jesse Marsch has previously served on the United States coaching staff

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Marsch, a former United States international and assistant, has been out of work since leaving Leeds last year.

Solskjaer has been out of work since he was sacked by Manchester United in 2021.

Alternative options include former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach Paul Clement and former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka.

Forge FC coach Bobby Smyrniotis, who is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in Canada, has also been interviewed.

Interest in Clement, a long-term assistant of Carlo Ancelotti, could be part of an ambitious ploy to attract the Real Madrid manager once he leaves Spain.

Jose Mourinho is prioritising an elite European squad

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Canada are ambitious as they search for a replacement for John Herdman, who led them into their first World Cup in 36 years but last year left to manage MLS side Toronto FC.

Canada want to progress from the group stage at the World Cup with a squad boasting stars like Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies and Lille's Jonathan David.