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Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round featuring a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, 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.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

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

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

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

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on 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 await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.