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 are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's group stage fixtures. But, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event 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 biggest 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 fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

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

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.