What felt like Six hours, a participation medal for US president Donald Trump, and some truly cringeworthy musical performances later, most of the nations competing at next year’s World Cup found out who they’ll be facing in the group stage.
It will be the biggest World Cup in history. 48 teams will battle it out for the right be called the best on the planet, with the likes of Cape Verde, Curacao, and Uzbekistan set to make their tournament debuts alongside the traditional big boys.
As anticipation starts to gather pace, we take a look at what we believe will be the five most fascinating match-ups in the group stage.
Germany vs Ecuador – Group E
The Germans ended up qualifying comfortably after a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in their first game, but there were still moments that would imply Julian Nagelsmann’s side aren’t quite as strong as they once were.
Ecuador certainly won’t be an easy side for them to play against. The South American’s are very defensive; they only conceded five goals across their 18 qualification games. This could absolutely be an upset few would see coming.
Brazil vs Morocco – Group C
It was not a simple qualification run for Brazil, ending up in fifth, ten points behind arch-rivals Argentina at the top of the CONMEBOL table. It got so bad, at one-point legends like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho admitted they stopped watching.
As for Morocco, it couldn’t have gone any better. 24 points from a possible 24, 22 goals and just two conceded, the 2022 semi-finalists have gotten better, and should be underestimated by anyone, especially an uninspiring Brazil.
England vs Croatia – Group L
The first ‘Group L’ in World Cup history will play host to a replay of the 2018 semi-finals that Croatia ended up winning 2-1. A lot has happened since then, most notably England heading into this tournament as one of the favourites with Thomas Tuchel in charge.
Luka Modric isn’t showing any signs of stopping at club level, so it’s unlikely he’ll bail on his country once the World Cup comes around, but other than the legendary midfielder, Croatia aren’t as strong as they once were.
Spain vs Cape Verde – Group H
It’s impossible to say whether Cape Verde will be excited or terrified after being drawn against arguably the best side on the planet in their first World Cup, but it’s a hell of a way to make your World Cup debut.
One of the smallest nations to ever qualify for the tournament, by population, it would take a genuine miracle for Cape Verde to beat Lamine Yamal and co. Sometimes it’s the taking part that matters most though.
France vs Norway – Group I
Kylian Mbappe vs Erling Haaland, this is absolutely the headline clash of the group stage. As usual, France will be going into the tournament as one of the favourites, but Norway could well be dark horses considering their impressive qualification.
Haaland scored a truly ridiculous 16 goals across their eight games, and with this being the robot’s first World Cup, he’ll want to deliver, especially against Mbappe, who always delivers on the biggest stage.