🔗 Share this article

Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. However, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, interesting matches still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.