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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process 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 the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

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

Few have managed to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder 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 finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.