The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.
Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the sport.
Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their team's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.
After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.
This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.
Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.
There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.
The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.
Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.
Hardly any have managed to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.
This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.
El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous 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 outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.
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, continental title-holders and South American champions.
In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.
The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.
Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and the French.
On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.
Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.
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