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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their national side's initial opponents. However, even though supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

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. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. 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 take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

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

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.