🔗 Share this article

Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. While fans can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

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

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, 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 Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.