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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's group stage opponents. However, even though fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names 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 finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions 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 Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.