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The upcoming global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to 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 complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of group games. Along 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 English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

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

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

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals 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 meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.