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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. However, even though supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup 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 maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

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

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

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

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long 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 the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.