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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. 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 goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions 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 expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico 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.