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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set 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 top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders 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

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through 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 past winners the Germans and the French.

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

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.