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Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's group stage opponents. However, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.