OneFootball x FanDuel: The key questions on World Cup Day 1️⃣8️⃣ | OneFootball

The knockout rounds begin on Sunday with one of the most unexpected ties in the bracket as South Africa take on co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles.

Few predicted either side would still be standing at this stage before the tournament began. Canada have already made history with their first World Cup finals victory, while South Africa have reached the knockout rounds for the first time ever. Both nations now have the opportunity to take another giant step forward.

What game is on today?

South Africa v Canada

This is a meeting between two of the tournament's surprise packages.

South Africa recovered impressively from an opening defeat to Mexico. Hugo Broos' side drew with Czechia before securing a historic 1-0 victory over South Korea thanks to Thapelo Maseko's fine finish, booking their place in the Round of 32 for the first time.

Canada's route to the knockout rounds has been equally memorable. Jesse Marsch's side opened with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina before thrashing Qatar 6-0 to record the country's first-ever World Cup finals victory. They narrowly lost 2-1 to Switzerland in their final group game, a result that denied them top spot in Group B but still saw them progress comfortably to the knockout stage.

The Canadians will feel they have the greater attacking threat, led by Jonathan David and a potentially returning Alphonso Davies, but they arrive with some injury concerns after midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg earlier in the tournament.

This could be one of the tightest Round of 32 matches. Canada's superior quality in the final third may ultimately prove decisive, but South Africa have already shown they are capable of frustrating more fancied opponents.

Our prediction: South Africa 1-2 Canada

Which player should I look out for?

Jonathan David has been central to his country's best World Cup campaign.

David scored a hat-trick in the emphatic victory over Qatar and remains Canada's most reliable goal threat. His movement between the lines, intelligent positioning and clinical finishing have helped transform Canada from tournament outsiders into genuine knockout contenders. With South Africa likely to defend deep and stay compact, David's ability to find space in crowded penalty areas could prove crucial.

If Canada are to continue their historic run, expect David to play a leading role.

Can you give me one stat to impress my friends?

Both South Africa and Canada are playing in the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time. It's the first time two teams are facing each other in first such match since Türkiye played Japan in 2002.

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