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Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. While fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their team's group stage fixtures. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star 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 country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

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

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders 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 Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through 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 drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.