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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. While fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on keen to discover their team's initial fixtures. However, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

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

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

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 new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face 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.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, 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 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.