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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their team's initial fixtures. But, even though fans are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's 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 matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

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

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If 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 really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.