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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself 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 record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with 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 weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites 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 potential tie between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

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