🔗 Share this article

Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to find out their team's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's 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 maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions 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 easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

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 qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked 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 winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

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

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

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If 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 extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. 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 playoff match.