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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, even though fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes 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 required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil 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 easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, 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 Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.