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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their team's group stage opponents. However, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able 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. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked 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 decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.