Haaland vs Mbappe, Fantasy Fixtures and The Village People: Key Moments from the World Cup Draw

Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. While fans are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

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

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's 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 traditional powerhouses. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, 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 on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged 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 expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.