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The upcoming World Cup is at last starting to feel tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

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

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see France once more face the Senegalese, who shocked 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 winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

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

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams 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 really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

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 possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.