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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

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

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, 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 quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. 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 match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.