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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to find out their team's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection 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 first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage 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 sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, interesting matches still await.

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 forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, 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. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. However, 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 play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set 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 game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.