🔗 Share this article

Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage 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

Many people tuned in keen to discover their team's initial opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, 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 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.