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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a showdown between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their team's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders 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 more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest 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 very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar'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. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions 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 Euro winners and former champions 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.

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 meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.