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Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People 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 legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to find out their national side's initial fixtures. However, even though supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals 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 play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely 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.