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

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

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

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

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

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

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