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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

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

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights 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 draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.