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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to find out their team's initial fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.