🔗 Share this article

Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process 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...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar'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. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game 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 cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and France.

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

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.