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Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. While fans are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a clash between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their team's group stage fixtures. However, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

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

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's 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 hardly any fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch 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.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France once more face 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 cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.