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Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their team's initial opponents. But, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced 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 World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential showdown. 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 Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.