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Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's group stage opponents. But, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set 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 Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties 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. But, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters 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 France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.