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Next summer's World Cup is at last starting to feel tangible. While fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the Village People performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round featuring 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 May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see France once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, 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 take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.