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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed 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 truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. However, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

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

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League 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 incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.