Mbappe vs Haaland, Dream Match-ups and YMCA: The Highlights from the World Cup Draw

The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their national side's group stage opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in the competition's 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 quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's game against Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, 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 first time in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams 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 possible matchup between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.