Haaland vs Mbappe, Fantasy Fixtures and YMCA: Key Moments from the World Cup Draw

The upcoming global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to discover their team's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

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

On to the Football Itself...

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 group stage 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 most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

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, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine 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 early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.