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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to discover their national side's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

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. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. 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 meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.