🔗 Share this article

Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to discover their team's group stage fixtures. However, even though fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival 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, Norway have been paired with 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. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

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