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Next summer's World Cup is at last starting to feel tangible. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. However, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's 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 group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. 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 opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.