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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's initial fixtures. However, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest 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 most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any 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, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.