Mbappe vs Haaland, Fantasy Fixtures and YMCA: The Highlights from the World Cup Draw

Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. However, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked 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.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.