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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's group stage opponents. But, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

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 required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in 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 somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.