🔗 Share this article

The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to find out their national side's initial opponents. However, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

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. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times 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 incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams 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 extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.