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Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to find out their team's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, 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 real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match 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. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded 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 least populous country 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, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.