Mbappe vs Haaland, Dream Match-ups and YMCA: The Highlights from the FIFA Draw Ceremony

Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. Although fans can finally start marking their calendars, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

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 knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.