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Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe'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 goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

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

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.