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The upcoming global tournament is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to find out their team's initial opponents. But, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection 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 first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to face him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous 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 future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.