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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's initial fixtures. However, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process 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...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

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

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 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 the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger 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 meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

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 possible matchup between past winners Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.