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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel very real. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage 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 discover their national side's group stage opponents. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led 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 big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.