🔗 Share this article

The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to discover their team's group stage opponents. But, even though fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

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. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase 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 most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.