Haaland vs Mbappe, Fantasy Fixtures and YMCA: Key Moments from the FIFA Draw Ceremony

Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel very real. Although fans are now able to begin marking their calendars, 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, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to find out their team's initial opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, 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 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. 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?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.