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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round featuring a clash between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

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

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, 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 take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are former world champions, 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. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions 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 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 collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.