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Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's initial opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

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 first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion 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 Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player 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 the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa 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 best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If 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 really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.