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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to find out their national side's initial opponents. However, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

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

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, 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.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner 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 heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.