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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to find out their national side's initial opponents. However, even though fans 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 video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, 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 complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. 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 weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to face him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, 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. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against tournament hosts 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.