Haaland vs Mbappe, Dream Match-ups and The Village People: The Highlights from the World Cup Draw

The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. But, even though fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw 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...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. 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 toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. However, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation 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 former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.