🔗 Share this article

Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

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

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against 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 knockout fixture.