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

Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem tangible. While fans can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half 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 largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

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 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.