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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament 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 initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to face him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. 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 larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.