🔗 Share this article

Next summer's World Cup is at last starting to feel very real. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the Village People performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's group stage fixtures. But, even though supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, interesting matches still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.