The 2026 FIFA World Cup entered the knockout stages last night with tournament co-hosts Canada beating South Africa in a narrow 1-0 victory.
We have another 15 games in the round and Borussia Dortmund fans will be eagerly looking forward to Switzerland facing off with Algeria on 2 July in Vancouver.
That's because two BVB stars Gregor Kobel and Ramy Bensebaini will come up against each other in the Round of 32 clash.
This also marks the second time that Dortmund players faced off at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Marcel Sabitzer and Ramy Bensebaini met in Austria's game against Algeria.
Both players were seen embracing each other after the clash as there was no love lost between the club teammates.
But on Thursday, the stakes will be higher. The loser goes out while the winner progresses into the last-16.
Switzerland look stronger on paper, but their attack has taken time to click. Meanwhile, Kobel couldn't keep a single clean sheet in three matches as his search for one at the FIFA World Cup continues.
But he ranks among the top 10 goalkeepers in the tournament for saves made with 11. His presence between the sticks will be vital against Algeria's stellar attacking frontline that consists of Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri and Mohamed Amoura.
Meanwhile, Bensebaini will be vital in defense for the north African giants, who conceded a staggering seven goals in the group stages. For context, only nine teams shipped in more during the first round of the tournament.
Bensebaini, who delivered a stellar performance against Jordan, will have to step up his game against Switzerland as the Dortmund centre-back will be tasked with keeping Swiss players such as Breel Embolo, Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas, all of whom were critical to La Nati's attacking fortunes in the group fixtures.
Kobel and Bensebaini may not come up against each other directly in open play given their positions as a goalkeeper and a centre-back, but set-piece situations might bring them close.
Bensebaini is potent in those situations; his towering stature allowing him to be a menace during corners and free-kicks. Kobel, having seen the Algerian bag five goals in the Bundesliga last season, will know that he'd have to keep a weather eye on him in such moments.
Switzerland progressed into the last-32 as Group B with seven points in three games whereas Algeria finished third in Group J but reached the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed sides.
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