The FIFA World Cup round of 32 begins on Sunday with a standout clash between Group A runners-up South Africa and Group B runners-up Canada, played at SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles area. Kick-off is scheduled for midday local time — 8pm UK time.

South Africa arrive at this stage on the back of a victory over South Korea in the group stage, while Canada, one of the tournament's co-hosts, step onto neutral ground for the first time this summer. No other matches are scheduled on Sunday, giving the fixture full attention.

Meet the referee

Portugal's Joao Pinheiro has been appointed to take charge of the match. The 38-year-old is officiating in his first-ever major international tournament, and Sunday's game will be his second assignment at this World Cup.

Pinheiro's debut at the tournament came in Switzerland's group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina — a memorable affair in which the Swiss ran out 4-1 winners despite not finding the net until the 74th minute. The late burst of goals followed Pinheiro's decision to dismiss Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic with a straight red card for a denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) with ten minutes remaining.

Officials for the match

Fellow Portuguese Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia will serve as assistant referees on the touchlines. UAE's Omar Al Ali takes the role of fourth official, while Mohamed Al-Hammadi will act as reserve official. Details of the VAR team had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.