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Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, 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.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few 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 last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

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

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder 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 larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon'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 meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico 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.