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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's initial opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder 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 taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions 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 Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.