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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of the group stage. Together with Senegal, Norway have been paired with 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 initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and the French.

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

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.