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Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few 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 final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 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 then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About 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 collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.