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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. Although fans can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest 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 initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

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

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

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

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.