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

Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's initial opponents. However, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—except for one player is set to face him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

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

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. But, 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 meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

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