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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel very real. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. However, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

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

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.