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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. While supporters are now able to begin 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, observers were 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 legends of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament 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 maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures 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 featuring 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 Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way 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 multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams 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 really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should 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.