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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the larger 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, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.