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Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, 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 Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.