Mbappe vs Haaland, Fantasy Fixtures and YMCA: The Highlights from the World Cup Draw

Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's group stage fixtures. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see the French again come up against Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names 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 reach the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions 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 Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

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

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, 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 Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.