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

Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's initial opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase 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 most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. 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 benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait 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 Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.