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Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. While fans can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's group stage opponents. But, even though fans are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping 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 opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

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

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. 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 fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.