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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to discover their national side's group stage opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations 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. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.