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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although fans are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, 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 highly anticipated encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their team's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

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

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

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

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

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

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from 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 France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.