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Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's initial fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

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 Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two 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 Manchester City forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count 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 defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters 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 other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.