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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the Village People performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their team's group stage opponents. However, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures 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.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. 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 title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and the French.

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 showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico 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.