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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, even though fans are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. 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 Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged 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 qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams 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 possible matchup between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.