🔗 Share this article

The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a showdown between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their team's initial fixtures. However, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and interviews, 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 draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest 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 most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

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

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders 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.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.