🔗 Share this article

Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. But, even though fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French again come up against Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets 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.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.