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Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to discover their team's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. 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

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, 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 population of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

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 last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.