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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent draw 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 sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. 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 Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions 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 four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.