🔗 Share this article

Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce 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 discover their team's initial opponents. However, despite the fact fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

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

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.