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

The upcoming World Cup is at last starting to feel very real. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to find out their team's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to come up against 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 top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see the French again come up against Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through 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 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 possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.