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

Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their team's group stage opponents. However, even though supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

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

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming 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 really tasty, 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 Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.