🔗 Share this article

Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem tangible. While fans can finally start marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their team's initial opponents. However, even though supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. However, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.