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Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. 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 go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

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

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

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 feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half 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 showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.