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Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to find out their team's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars 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 occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential clash. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.