Mexico and Uruguay know just a point apiece from their meeting on Tuesday will see them into the last 16.
Conspiracy theorists have suggested that the pair will play out a tame stalemate in Rustenburg, ensuring they both progress into the knockout stages.
Both sides have been quick to play down such talk, though, with top spot in Group A still up for grabs.
Finishing in first place could prove crucial, as the runners-up are likely to be paired with free-flowing Argentina in the next round.
With that in mind, three points will be the order of the day when Central America locks horns with South America in midweek.
Should they, however, fail to be separated at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Uruguay will go through as table-toppers, Mexico in second place and France will take the first plane home.
Mexico will be forced to do without Arsenal striker Carlos Vela for their final group fixture.
The promising striker has sustained a hamstring problem and is expected to be sidelined for up to 10 days.
Javier Aguirre will also be without Efrain Juarez, as he must sit the game out through suspension.
Uruguay have no fresh concerns to contend with and will be at full strength.
Nicolas Lodeiro will be welcomed back into the fold after serving a one-match ban for the red card he picked up against France on opening night.
Whether he is drafted into the starting XI remains to be seen, with Oscar Tabarez having mixed things up against South Africa and seen himself rewarded with a 3-0 win.
Talismanic skipper Diego Forlan was dropped a little deeper for that game and, having run the show, is expected to be deployed behind Luis Suarez once again.