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Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's initial opponents. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring 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 easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth 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 group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time 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 opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites 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 Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.