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Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to discover their team's initial opponents. However, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

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

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

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 cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.