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Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to discover their team's initial fixtures. However, even though fans are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia 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 toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is set to face him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on 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 best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French 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 upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning 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 time. But, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country 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 La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential clash. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.