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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 not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their national side's group stage opponents. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations 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 hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

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

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, 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 defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If 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 potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.