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Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their national side's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying 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 Senegal, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions 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 benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans 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 possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.