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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel very real. Although fans are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. 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 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.