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Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their team's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

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

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's 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 slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland 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 first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.