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Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on keen to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself 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 unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

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

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina 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 Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.