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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming 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 extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.