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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, 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 expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

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