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Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. While fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's group stage opponents. However, even though supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying 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—except for one player is set to face him in the last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. However, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.