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The upcoming global tournament is at last starting to feel very real. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.