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

Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel very real. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

Two 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 Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able 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 the group stage. 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 Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. But, awaiting them are past winners, 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 Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets 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.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.