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Next summer's World Cup is at last starting to feel very real. While fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to discover their team's group stage opponents. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

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 initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. But, 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 take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.