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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their team's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

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

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.