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The upcoming global tournament is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour 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.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

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 increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's 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 Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, 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 tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.