Mbappe vs Haaland, Fantasy Fixtures and YMCA: The Highlights from the World Cup Draw

The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to discover their team's initial opponents. However, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines 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 single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see France once more face 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.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.