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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to find out their team's initial opponents. However, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

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

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

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

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.