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Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to find out their team's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving 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 new round of 32. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with 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 Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. 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 managed to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About 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 extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.