🔗 Share this article

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

Well before the Village People performed with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their national side's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' 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 Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous 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, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder 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 larger 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, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.