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

Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

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

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side 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 initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face Senegal, 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 winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures 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, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

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 the Germans 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 possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina 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. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.