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Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's initial fixtures. But, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's game against Croatia is the most significant theoretically. 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 Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

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

We Meet Again

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach 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 smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.