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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. However, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

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

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.