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The upcoming global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes 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 game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their team's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup 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 perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with 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. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

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 match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and France.

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

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.