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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 the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their team's initial fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders 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. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.