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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest 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 somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. 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 Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head 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—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are past winners, 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 Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites 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 Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.