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The upcoming global tournament is at last starting to feel very real. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their team's initial opponents. However, even though fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face 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 Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, 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 multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.