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

The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. While fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to discover their team's initial opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City 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 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.