Haaland vs Mbappe, Fantasy Fixtures and YMCA: The Highlights from the FIFA Draw Ceremony

Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top 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 team's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. 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 again come up against Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names 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 qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face 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 Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.