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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the Village People performed with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their national side's initial opponents. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest 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 slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

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

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner 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 big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.