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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. While fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to find out their national side's initial fixtures. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see France once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders 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

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.