Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe group stage is over. Bring on the knockout stage.The World Cup round of 32 kicks off with just a single game on Sunday as co-hosts and Group B runners-up Canada play on neutral ground for the first time this summer.Standing before them are another second-placed side, Group A runners-up South Africa, who booked passage through to this stage with a victory over South Korea last time out.No other games will be played on Sunday, allowing this game to take centre-stage.The clash is set to be played at SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles area, with kick-off set for midday local time (8pm UK time). You may like How to watch South Africa vs Canada for FREE Why aren't Canada playing in Canada for World Cup round of 32 clash with South Africa? Who is the referee for South Africa vs South Korea? The referee for the occasion is Portugal's Joao Pinheiro.This will be the 38 year old's second game of this World Cup, which is Pinheiro's first-ever major international tournament outing.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.His last game was Switzerland's somewhat bizarre victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the Swiss running out 4-1 winners despite not opening the scoring until the 74th minute.That late flurry of goals came after Pinheiro showed Bosnian Tarik Muharemovic a straight red card for a DOGSO offence with ten minutes to go.Fellow Portuguese Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia will be the linesmen.UAE's Omar Al Ali will be the fourth official, with Mohamed Al-Hammadi serving as the reserve official.Details of the VAR crew are yet to be confirmed at time of writing.TOPICSWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
