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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their national side's group stage opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began 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 tournament will be the largest 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 somewhat weakened in overall strength.

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

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming 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 past winners the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

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 Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.