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The upcoming global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes 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 Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to find out their national side's initial opponents. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, 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 Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions 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 top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. 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 opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.