After 72 matches, the group stage at the 2026 World Cup has concluded. Bring on the knockouts. First up is co-host Canada heading south of the border to take on South Africa.This is the only match of the day, which is a big shift from the barrage that was group play.Here’s a look at the odds and storylines for the match, plus some picks from our betting staff.South Africa-CanadaTime: 3 p.m. ETTV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.The heartbreak was palpable when Switzerland beat Canada in Vancouver to win Group B. The Canadians knew they were still advancing, but by finishing second in the group, they had to leave home for the knockout stage.Switzerland now plays in Vancouver and stays there if it advances to the final 16. Canada has to play in Southern California.The loss of home-field advantage hasn’t painted a totally bleak picture, though. Canada is favored to beat South Africa in regulation, and the implied odds give Canada a roughly 75 percent chance of advancing.Neither country has made it to the knockout rounds before. Canada entered this tournament without a single point at a World Cup. South Africa had a couple of wins on its resume, but had never advanced. In the expanded 48-team field, there have been and will be more firsts like this.While Canada was disappointed to lose its last match, South Africa is thrilled to be here after getting a surprise win against South Korea. Bafana Bafana looked overwhelmed by Mexico in its first match, but has since been solid with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic and that 1-0 win against the Koreans.The big question for Canada is about the availability of star Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich player missed all three group matches due to a hamstring injury suffered on May 6, and he isn’t the only major absence for the Canadians.Canada coach Jesse Marsch said he expected Davies to play against Switzerland, and he did not. Was Marsch playing coy? Was he holding Davies back, knowing Canada was likely to advance no matter what happened in that game?If Canada’s first knockout game at a World Cup isn’t enough for Davies to play, the injury is much worse than has been reported. Davies could be a game-changer if he can play.The winner plays the winner of the Netherlands and Morocco, which takes place on Monday.Best betsDan Santaromita: Under 2.5 goals, -150 (FanDuel)The group stage had a ton of goals, thanks in part to a more forgiving format that allowed two-thirds of teams to advance, and because of more lopsided matchups. I think that will change in the knockout stage. Picking unders isn’t fun, but I think this one will be tightly contested.Mike Hume: Canada over South Africa in regulation, -145 (FanDuel)Canada didn’t come this far only to become the first host team sent home. I don’t know how much further this Canadian side can go in this tournament, but I believe they’ve got at least this win in them.Vik Chokshi: Jonathan David anytime goal, +160 (FanDuel)Davies is expected to return, but I have no clue if he is healthy or in shape. What I do know is that David has been Canada’s best attacking player. I do think this one is going to be a grinder, as Dan said, but I still like Canada to get one or two goals. If that happens, I expect David to be the one who delivers.Picks recordsUnitsRecordDan4.4310-7Mike3.428-9Vik0.2111-10Dean-3.643-7