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

Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's group stage opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries 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 real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against 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 The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Along with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo'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 potential tie between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

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