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Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring 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 Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions 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 Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

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