Mbappe vs Haaland, Dream Match-ups and The Village People: Key Moments from the FIFA Draw Ceremony

Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

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

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions 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. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count 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 title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, 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 squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.