🔗 Share this article

Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round featuring a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their team's group stage fixtures. But, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions 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 population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.