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Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, even though fans are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures 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 featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger 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 play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and the French.

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

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.