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The upcoming World Cup 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 their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round featuring a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. However, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, 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. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant theoretically. 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 Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

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

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. 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 four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste 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 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 drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.