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Next summer's World Cup is at last starting to feel very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their national side's group stage opponents. However, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant 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 official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match 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 net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. However, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through 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 possible matchup between past winners Germany and France.

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

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.