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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long 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 legends of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going 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 initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. 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 Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. 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 play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If 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 possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo 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 match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.