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The upcoming global tournament is at last starting to feel very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, 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 taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.