Co-hosts Canada and South Africa will both make World Cup history when they meet in the opening game of the knockout round on Sunday. Neither nation has ever reached this stage of international football's showpiece event and they could not have asked for a grander stage than the spectacular SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Canada's Journey to the Knockouts
Canada celebrated going through to the knockout rounds but slipping to a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group game cost them their 'home' status that the group winner would have enjoyed. They have been forced to head to the United States for the clash. Their American coach Jesse Marsch is banking on the 'X-factor' of returning superstar Alphonso Davies to elevate his team in Sunday's showdown. Bayern Munich defender Davies was sidelined for the entire group phase due to a hamstring injury.
South Africa's Road to Success
South Africa are one of nine African sides to have reached the last 32, making the continent the major beneficiary of the expanded 48-team format. The Bafana Bafana looked dead and buried in a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the tournament opener but a spirited 1-0 win against South Korea fired them into uncharted territory. South Africa's veteran Belgian coach Hugo Broos said reaching the last 32 meant 'we can say already now that the World Cup is a success for us,' but he insisted his side was hungry to go even further.
The Knockout Stage Begins
On Saturday, the Democratic Republic of Congo became the latest underdogs to roar at this World Cup, battling into the knockout rounds for the first time while Iran's rollercoaster campaign ended in elimination. A chaotic finale to the group phase saw Austria and Algeria fill the final two berths in the last 32 after battling to an extraordinary 3-3 draw in Group J -- a result that dashed Iran's hopes of advancing from their group. DR Congo's win in Atlanta -- their first ever victory in a World Cup match -- was enough to secure third place in Group K, setting up a dream clash with England in the next round.
Reigning Champions Advance
Lionel Messi meanwhile scored his sixth goal of the tournament -- and 19th in all World Cups -- as reigning champions Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 to make it three groups wins out of three. They face surprise qualifiers Cape Verde in the next round on Friday.
