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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their team's group stage fixtures. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with 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 first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.