🔗 Share this article

The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although fans can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to discover their team's initial opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

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

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long 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 the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. 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 probable 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.