🔗 Share this article

The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to find out their national side's initial fixtures. However, even though fans are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

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

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

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

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long 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 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 the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.