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The upcoming World Cup is at last starting to feel tangible. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's initial fixtures. However, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage 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 theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

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

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. However, awaiting them 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 take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If 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 Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should the Scots progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.