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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

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

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

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

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.