For England, the appeal is obvious and so is the pressure. A squad built around Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka has proven quality through the spine, but a demanding first outing would immediately put the balance of the side under the microscope.
If England are fluid early, the mood changes quickly. If they are hesitant, every decision around shape, tempo and personnel will become part of the story.
Brazil are widely viewed as one of the favourites, yet Morocco appears to be an awkward first assignment. This is not the sort of draw that allows a heavyweight to settle into the tournament unnoticed.
That makes this a useful early read on Brazil: can they dominate a disciplined, athletic side, or will they be forced into a more patient game than many expect?
Elsewhere, Netherlands vs Japan has the feel of a sharp technical contest, with Memphis Depay, Virgil van Dijk and Jurrien Timber giving the Dutch a strong core. Later in the group stage, Spain vs Uruguay stands out for its contrast in styles, while France vs Norway would put Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in the same spotlight.
The opening week will not settle everything, but it should reveal plenty. The next storyline to watch is simple: which contender looks ready immediately, and which one leaves itself work to do before the knockout rounds come into view?