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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's initial opponents. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League 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 scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals 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 Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible 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 game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.