Tournament co-hosts Canada take on South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday in the first of the World Cup round of 32 fixtures.
History will be made regardless of the outcome, with both nations making their first-ever appearance in the knockout stages of the men’s World Cup.
Canada will begin as slight favourites after a solid group-stage campaign that saw them pick up the country’s first-ever win at the finals with a resounding 6-0 victory over Qatar.
It was the widest margin of victory by a CONCACAF team in World Cup history, while Jonathan David netted the first hat-trick for a host nation since England’s Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966.
Jesse Marsch’s side squandered home advantage for their showdown with Bafana Bafana following a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland. It means Canada will become the first host nation to play a World Cup finals match outside its borders.
But Marsch believes that could work in his side’s favour as he looks to further etch his name into Les Rouges footballing folklore.
“Obviously, we wanted to stay in Canada and play in front of our fans and use all that energy,” Marsch said.
“But it’s also a big mental load on our team. Being around town, people around the hotel, it’s a little bit of a circus.
“I mean, it’s one we really enjoyed, but I do think that going away will give us a little bit more pause and calmness around the experience and make sure that we can focus on totally and exactly what the match is, which I think will be good for us. Even with the mental and physical loading that I’m talking about.”
The Canada manager could also welcome back captain and talisman Alphonso Davies for his first taste of World Cup action this summer.
The Bayern Munich player has not featured yet as he recovers from a hamstring strain picked up while playing in the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
It was thought the 25-year-old could play some part in the group stage, but Marsch admitted that was never the plan and revealed how he used him as a decoy ahead of their final game.
“He [Davies] was never going to play today,” Marsch said after the Switzerland match. “I wanted Switzerland to have to think about him.”
As Canada eye a spot in the Round of 16, Marsch knows the challenge his side face against an African side full of confidence after victory over South Korea.
“Many people were expecting South Korea to dominate that game, but it was actually the other way around,” the American said.
“What you see in South Africa is a team that’s very physical, that in open spaces, is very athletic, and have a lot of belief right now in what they’re doing.
“I was impressed with South Africa in this match… they were the better team, and they’re going to give us a big challenge.”
Progression seemed unlikely for South Africa after an opening day defeat to Mexico that saw Bafana Bafana side reduced to nine men.
But Hugo Broos’ men have since showcased their resilience, advancing as Group A runners-up with four points having only been in front in the tournament for around 30 minutes so far.
“The mentality in this group is amazing,” Broos said after the South Korea match.
Team news for South Africa v Canada
It’s mixed fortunes for South Africa in terms of team selection. Broos will welcome Teboho Mokoena back from suspension, but Themba Zwane is still unavailable following his red card against Mexico.
As for Canada, Ismael Kone is absent after suffering a tibia fracture against Qatar, while Stephen Eustaquio (muscle) and Alfie Jones (fitness) could also be doubtful.
Davies could play some part, but will likely be involved off the bench. The impressive pairing of David and Cyle Larin are again set to lead the line.
Predicted line-ups for South Africa v Canada
South Africa XI: Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa
Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Saliba, Ahmed; David, Larin
Where to watch South Africa v Canada: TV and online streams
Kick-off on Sunday is at 8pm BST (3pm ET / 12pm PT). In the UK, live TV coverage is on BBC One.
Streaming on a vast range of devices is available through the BBC iPlayer app and BBC Sport website.
