The managers of the U.S. and Canada men's national teams hope tournament is free from political undertones

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• Pochettino, Marsch want to keep politics of out tournament
• U.S. tariffs among the recent points of tension in the region
• Marsch has said geopolitics could fuel national pride

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The national team managers of the United States and Canada both downplayed the impact of politics for this week's CONCACAF Nations League finals, set to kick off Thursday night in Los Angeles.

  Speaking to the media this week, both Mauricio Pochettino and Jesse Marsch steered clear of questions about geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and its neighboring countries, with the Nations League staged amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial policies, including his tariffs on Mexico and Canada.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Marsch, a native of Wisconsin, has been a vocal opponent of Trump's policies, and recently admitted that he was "ashamed" of how America is treating a long-term ally. He also said that the tensions could also serve as fuel for his team should they meet the U.S. in the final.

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  WHAT POCHETTINO, MARSCH SAID

  Pochettino said soccer should remain separate from the geopolitical events.

  "I think we can’t mix political things with sport," he said. "It’s not because I don’t want to talk. I have my ideas. But I represent the federation, and I (don’t) want to talk about politics."

  Marsch declined to delve into the topic, but did concede that rising tensions could influence the fixture should both teams advance to the finale. The USMNT play Panama in the semifinals Thursday, with Canada taking on Mexico. The winners will meet for the trophy Sunday night.

  "I’m not going to get political right now," Marsch said. "I think I’ve made my statements clear and known. I will say that I do think from watching the 4 Nations in hockey, you can see that the climate for sports in North America has been elevated for national teams.

  "I’m really hopeful that this tournament can be the best reflections of our societies, in that we don’t have to waste time booing anthems and getting caught up in politics, and we can just focus on the players and the teams and supporting the love of the game, and then whatever your nationality is, that you can support your team all the way."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR THE US AND CANADA?

  The two sides are on opposite sides of the Nations League bracket. Pochettino's men are set to face Panama, while Marsch's side will take on Mexico. The final and third-place match will take place on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.