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

Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to discover their national side's group stage opponents. However, even though fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures 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.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side 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 international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

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

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.