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Next summer's World Cup is at last starting to feel very real. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to discover their team's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, 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 La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.