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Next summer's World Cup is at last starting to feel tangible. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with 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 Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times 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 goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate 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 opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.