🔗 Share this article

The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round featuring a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to discover their team's initial opponents. However, even though supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

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

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament 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 slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. 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 Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. 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 benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. However, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. 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 title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.