Haaland vs Mbappe, Fantasy Fixtures and YMCA: Key Moments from the World Cup Draw

Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to find out their team's initial fixtures. However, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few matches 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 ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. However, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.