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Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their team's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

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

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size 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' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, interesting matches still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight 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—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone 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 qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, 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, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts 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.