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Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem tangible. While fans can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's group stage opponents. But, even though supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event 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 biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

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

Hardly any have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash 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 sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. 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 draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.