Haaland vs Mbappe, Dream Match-ups and The Village People: The Highlights from the World Cup Draw
The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.
Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the game.
The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever
Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.
After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.
This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.
On to the Football Itself...
Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.
There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.
Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches still await.
A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head
Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.
Hardly any have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.
This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. 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 game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.
Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.
Dream Ties for the Debutants
Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and South American champions.
In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.
Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.
What About the Knockout Stage?
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 extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.
On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.
For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.