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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round featuring a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their team's initial opponents. However, despite the fact fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions 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 benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders 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 Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams 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 extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany 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 lined up for a possible showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.