🔗 Share this article

Next summer's World Cup is at last starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their team's initial fixtures. However, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process 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 finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's game against Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

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 European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming 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 potential tie between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.