🔗 Share this article

Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their team's group stage opponents. However, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself 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 first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

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

Few have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway 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 goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

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

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 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 draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.