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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. While fans are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round featuring a clash between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

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 finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.