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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to find out their team's group stage fixtures. But, even though fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to face him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri 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, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

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 half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 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 draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.