Haaland vs Mbappe, Dream Match-ups and The Village People: The Highlights from the World Cup Draw

Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. While fans can finally start marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's initial opponents. However, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. 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 record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. 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 Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League 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 incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. 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 game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.